ENCINITAS, Calif. -- A woman who was sexually molested by a masseuse in Encinitas earlier this year is suing a massage chain, along with her attacker.
A jury convicted George W. Lindsey III of sexual battery for his February attack on a woman, only identified as Jane Doe in court documents. The attack occurred during a massage at Massage Heights in Encinitas.
The lawsuit details the attack and alleges Lindsey groped the woman, forcibly gave her oral sex and grabbed her throat with his hands in a threatening manner. The lawsuit alleges at least one other previous massage client reported that Lindsey sexual assaulted her too.
Lindsey told 10News he is innocent, even though a jury found him guilty. Lindsey told 10news he feels like he is being slandered and railroaded by the allegations.
Lindsey said he is a minister. He is listed as the main agent at Divine Deliverance Ministry, Church of God in Christ in Vista. A spokeswoman with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office said Lindsey must register as a sex offender. His name does not appear on the Megan’s Law website.
The state permanently revoked his massage license.
Ashley Rodriguez, a spokeswoman for a consulting firm hired by Massage Heights, emailed 10News the following response:
“We were appalled to hear of the allegations of sexual misconduct of one of our franchisee’s massage therapists in Encinitas. Massage Heights Franchising has a zero tolerance policy against inappropriate behavior, including sexual misconduct, and upon learning of the allegations the local franchisee immediately terminated the massage therapist’s employment and is fully cooperating with authorities in the investigation. This employee was licensed by the state of California, which requires thorough background checks of all massage therapists before issuing and renewing licenses.“Massage Heights Franchising is dedicated to the wellbeing of the thousands of members and guests our franchisees serve, and these policies are designed to create a safe and secure environment in each and every retreat.”
