Cops: Free Massage Turns Into Sex Assault

Spa owner arrested, charged with sexual assault

A salon and spa owner accused of taking advantage of a woman during a free massage session was arrested Thursday and charged with sexual assault, Little Elm police said.

Armando Antonelli, the owner of Juliet Salon and Spa, was arrested after being indicted on suspicion of sexual assault, Asst. Chief Ric Sadler said.   

"(The) Little Elm Police Department was made aware of an alleged sexual assault that had occurred when an individual offered free massage services to a female," he said.

Workers at the salon in Little Elm said they were shocked to see police take Antonelli away in handcuffs.  

"We've known for a few months about these allegations, but I mean, even last week, I kept sitting there thinking, 'No it can't be right,'" Cassie Ardhuerumly said.

Investigators said Antonelli inappropriately touched a woman after offering her a free massage after the business hours. 

"He said that he was working towards a massage license or certification and that he needed to practice the craft," Sadler said.

Ardhuerumly said she has never seen Antonelli give any kind of treatment offered at the salon.

Police said they are interested in hearing from other women who may have received a massage from Antonelli at his business.

Antonelli bonded out of jail Thursday, but could not be reached for comment.

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