FOUNTAIN HILLS, Ariz. A Maricopa County massage therapist was arrested Monday for allegedly sexually assaulting his customers.<\/p>\n
Gary Nash, 62, is accused of groping, sexually touching and penetrating five female patients while claiming that it was part of the procedure.<\/p>\n
Nash operated the Fountains of Youth Renewal Center in Fountain Hills which offered massage therapy and alternative medicine even though Nash is not licensed or trained in the practice.<\/p>\n
Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone says Nash preyed on women suffering from ailments ranging from arthritis to diseases and claimed to provide a remedy.<\/p>\n
\"He would groom them and gain their trust,\" Penzone said. He found a way to put them in a vulnerable position and took advantage.\"<\/p>\n
Investigators were tipped off by one victim and detectives reached out to the other four. The victims range in age between 37 and 53.<\/p>\n
One woman claims the crimes had been ongoing since 2013 and up to last month.<\/p>\n
Another alleged victim says she was charged $25,000 for the procedures, and that Nash requested another $35,000 for essential oils.<\/p>\n
The confidentiality and trust expected in a doctor\/patient relationship was the tactic this criminal used to abuse victims in their vulnerable state. This guise in portraying himself as a legitimate medical provider is a disturbing and disgusting predatory abuse, Penzone said.<\/p>\n
The sheriff's office believes more victims may be out there and are asking them to reach out to investigators.<\/p>\n
Nash was charged with over 30 counts of various sex crimes on top of fraud and practicing medicine without a license.<\/p>\n
Nash faced a judge Wednesday and denied the allegations against him.<\/p>\n
\"I maintain that I did everything with accountability and with permission and with the appropriate licenses,\" Nash said to the judge.<\/p>\n
Nash's bond was set at $50,000. He was ordered to have no contact with the alleged victims and he will be electronically monitored. His next court date is on March 10.<\/p>\n
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Fountain Hills massage therapist accused of sexually assaulting female patients - 12news.com KPNX<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" FOUNTAIN HILLS, Ariz. A Maricopa County massage therapist was arrested Monday for allegedly sexually assaulting his customers Continue reading