Advertisement Massage therapist charged after woman claims she was sodomized Richard J. Wall charged with sodomy Share Shares Copy Link Copy

A massage therapist is charged with sodomy after a woman claims she was assaulted while getting a massage in October. Clay County prosecutors charged Richard J. Wall, 48, with second-degree sodomy, a class C felony. According to court documents, a woman told police that Wall was giving her a massage at a Massage Heights spa on Highway 152 when she was assaulted on Oct. 1. The woman told detectives that after it happened, Wall said, "I'm sorry, I've never done that before. That was my first time," according to court records. The woman said she got dressed and left the spa, calling her husband. A police report was made the same day. During police questioning Thursday, Wall told detectives that the woman was touching herself and when he realized what she was doing, he ended the massage. Court documents state that Wall ended the interview with police. A search warrant was issued after investigators said Wall refused to give consent for a DNA swab. Wall is scheduled to be arraigned Monday afternoon. His bail was set at $25,000. Massage Heights Franchising released the following statement: "We were appalled to hear of the allegations of sexual misconduct of one of our massage therapists. Massage Heights Franchising has a zero tolerance policy against inappropriate behavior, including sexual misconduct, and upon learning of the allegations the local franchisee immediately terminated the massage therapist’s employment. Franchisees are encouraged to conduct background and reference checks prior to hiring all licensed massage therapists. This employee was licensed by the state of Missouri, which requires thorough criminal background checks of all massage therapists before issuing and renewing licenses. The local franchisee is fully cooperating with authorities in the investigation. Massage Heights Franchising is dedicated to the wellbeing of the thousands of members and guests our franchisees serve, and these policies are designed to create a safe and secure environment in each and every retreat."