RICHLAND, Wash. — The Washington Department of Health has suspended the license of a massage therapist based out of the Tri-Cities as he faces accusations of repeatedly touching women in a sexual manner while performing the duties of his job.
Court documents obtained by KAPP-KVEW show that Kyle Stephen Pierce faces accusations of inappropriate touching during massages at two different businesses in Richland. These instances, ranging from May 2019 to December 2021, are described in a Summary Action Order as showing a “pattern of sexually motivated behaviors toward four massage clients…”
Due to the consistency of this behavior, which led to his termination from two separate businesses in Richland back-to-back, Pierce is being accused of posing “an immediate threat to the public.”
READ: DOH formally suspends Pasco physical therapist’s license over sexual misconduct
During the first reporter incident in May 2019, Pierce allegedly touched a client’s breasts and vulva during a massage. On three more occasions, he was accused of inappropriately touching the breasts of female clients.
These accusations have led Pierce to face four separate charges of felony indecent liberties in Benton County Superior Court. Those charges, which are considered Class B felonies, were filed in Benton County on February 14, 2022.
Under the current suspension, Pierce will not be allowed to practice massage therapy in Washington state unless he’s cleared of all charges. The trial is currently scheduled to take place early in 2023.
This is a breaking news story. An update and/or follow-up may be issued if further details are uncovered.
TOP STORIES FROM THE KAPP-KVEW NEWS STAFF:
READ: BCSO identifies body pulled from Columbia River as Kennewick woman, 34
COPYRIGHT 2022 BY YAKTRINEWS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.