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Massage Envy Therapist Accused Of Sexual Assault

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FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) - A Massage Envy massage therapist is accused of sexual assault.

It allegedly happened March 9th at the Massage Envy on Cordova Road in Ft. Lauderdale's Harbor Shops complex.

The woman, who was in town for Spring Break, told the police that Juan Mendiz, 32, inappropriately touched her several times before committing an act of sexual assault.

Juan Mendiz
Juan Mendiz (Source: Broward Sheriff's Office)

After the incident, she reported it to Massage Envy staff who asked her not to call the police because they would take care of it internally.

The woman called the police who arrested Mendiz. During questioning, he reportedly denied he did anything wrong and requested an attorney.

The arrest report says while Mendez denied the assault, his attorney told investigators Mendez said the young woman invited and enjoyed the sexual touching.

In court Thursday however, the attorney, Mark Eiglarsh, entered a not guilty plea and denied the incident occurred.

Message Envy sent out the following statement regarding the incident after requests from CBS4:

"The reported conduct of the therapist is upsetting and unacceptable.  The therapist  is no longer employed by the franchisee, and the franchisee will continue to cooperate with law enforcement. While we can't comment on the specifics of any investigation, our policy requires that if a client wants to report an incident, the franchisee must provide the client with law enforcement's contact information and a private room to make the call."

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