MOORESVILLE, N.C.,None — A massage therapist from Mooresville is now accused of inappropriately touching a second client.
Cornelius police say Joe Martin, who works in Cornelius, was arrested on Friday after a female client said she was inappropriately touched by the massage therapist last April.
She came forward after hearing about his arrest in the fall when another client contacted police.
Martin continued working after that arrest.
“It's pretty concerning to us because when you go in for a massage, you're by yourself. It's kind of a vulnerable situation," Detective Lt. Jennifer Thompson said.
Martin works at the Center for Holistic Care. A staff member said Martin was working, but did not want to comment.
Neighbors said they were shocked to hear about the allegations.
"Yes, I was surprised. As far as I'm concerned, they've been nice," said Joyce Swicegood.
Police said after news of the first arrest aired in September, other women who were clients also came forward to police, saying they, too, were touched inappropriately.
Thompson said their accounts of what happened are very consistent, but the women did not feel comfortable pressing charges. One was referred to the town's victim's advocate after she showed up at the police station crying.
"He took advantage of that doctor-patient relationship and she felt very violated, very embarrassed," Thompson said.
Martin is due back in court Friday, Feb. 10.