PALM BAY, Fla. – A 43-year-old Palm Bay man faces charges of inappropriately touching a teen after police said he tricked the unsuspecting victim into participating in practice techniques for physical therapy school.

Brian Leatyne Shuler was arrested Tuesday on charges of lewd and lascivious behavior after the teen fled Shuler's bedroom after a second massage and contacted Palm Bay police about the incidents, authorities said.

"Mr. Shuler indicated to the young man that he wanted to practice massage and that if the young boy would help him out, but Mr. Shuler isn't involved in any kind of massage school or anything," Palm Bay Police Sgt. Ron Lugo said.

Police said Shuler, who is described as unemployed, told detectives that while he was interested in massage school, he had not yet signed up for any classes, according to arrest records. He admitted to performing a massage on the teen but denied any inappropriate touching, police said.

"Crazy, that's just nasty," said neighbor Jamal Williams, who lives on the opposite side of the duplex Shuler lives in on Shenandoah Road.

"I've seen the little kid hanging around his house and I was just thinking he was just oddly nice," Williams said.

Police said the 13-year-old boy knew Shuler for several months and had been cleaning his home for money. The teen told police that Shuler had bought him clothes, food and jewelry.

Police said Shuler told the teen in January that he needed help practicing massage techniques for physical therapy school. Police said Shuler conducted two massages, both in his bedroom.

Shuler was arrested by police and is being held on a $35,000 bond at the Brevard County Jail Complex in Sharpes.

His arraignment is scheduled for March 28.