Florida Massage Envy Sex Assault News Update, Sarasota Arrest of Ruslan Grushco, Former Massage Envy Therapist
Florida massage therapist Ruslan Gruscho has been arrested and charged with battery in two cases involving clients of Massage Envy. According to local news reports, Gruscho was employed as a massage therapist at Massage Envy on South Tamiami Trail in Sarasota from June to August 2017.
The first arrest was earlier this month after a client of a Sarasota Massage Envy filed a police report in August of 2017. The victim alleged that Grushco touched her private parts during a massage.
After the August 2017 allegations, Sarasota police conducted an investigation but determined they could not make an arrest without additional evidence. After conducting additional investigation including interviews of other clients and witnesses, the massage therapist was arrested on February 2, 2018.
Grushco was arrested a second time after another woman came forward alleging sexual assault during a private massage in June of 2017. Sarasota police believe there may be additional victims.
Massage Envy Sex Assault News
Late last year, a BuzzFeed news report revealed that over 180 women have alleged sexual assault during a massage at Massage Envy locations in the U.S. Multiple news features followed at FOX, CBS, NBC, ABC, etc.
Related Coverage: Massage Envy Sex Assault Lawsuits Make National News, Nov.2017
The national franchise is accused of ignoring or concealing allegations of sex assault during massages. Multiple lawsuits have been filed and are pending in several states.
Legal Representation for Victims of Massage Envy Sex Assault in Sarasota & Tampa
Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan represents 8-10 women who claim they were assaulted during a massage at Florida Massage Envy locations in Sarasota, Tampa and the Miami area. The firm also represents other women around the country in sex assault lawsuits against Massage Envy. Including the Florida Massage Envy cases, the firm is representing nearly 30 women who allege sex assault during massages at Massage Envy locations.
Guy D’Andrea and Stewart Ryan always offer free, confidential consultations. The firm has the resources and experience to handle sex abuse cases in all states and welcomes calls from local counsel about potential cases. If you need help, call 800-220-7600.
Sources:
- www.mysuncoast.com, Second victim comes forward in Massage Envy incident
- www.wfla.com, Sarasota Massage Envy employee arrested again after second victim comes forward
- www.fox13news.com, Massage Envy employee charged with battery could have more victims