Massage therapist charged with molesting client at Plymouth spa

A massage therapist has been charged with molesting a female client during a session at a Plymouth spa.

Lucas D. Peterson, 32, of Plymouth, was charged by summons Monday in Hennepin County District Court with fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. Peterson has not been arrested. His fiancée said Tuesday that he was not available for comment.

Peterson worked at the Massage Retreat & Spa just off Rockford Road and west of Hwy. 169. A staff member said Tuesday that Peterson is no longer employed there.

According to the criminal complaint:

The woman told police that during her 90-minute massage on Aug. 20 Peterson grabbed her right hand "and interlaced her fingers with his fingers," then moved his free hand up her thigh and rubbed her genitals over her underwear. She said, "No thank you" to him. He replied, "Oh, oh, sorry" and moved his hand back to her leg.

The woman reported the alleged incident to a woman working at the front desk and then to police.

Massage Retreat's corporate headquarters is in New Hope. Along with Plymouth, the company has outlets in Eden Prairie, Edina, Maple Grove, Savage, Shoreview and Woodbury.

Licensing of massage therapists varies from city to city. Plymouth requires licensing, which includes a criminal-background check. Edina and Eden Prairie, for example, do not require massage therapists to be licensed.

Peterson has been a licensed massage therapist in Plymouth since Jan. 1. His license was set to expire on Dec. 31, but he withdrew his renewal application "until the situation is resolved through the court," said City Clerk Sandy Engdahl.

Paul Walsh