Fountain Hills massage therapist accused of sexually assaulting female patients – 12news.com KPNX

FOUNTAIN HILLS, Ariz. A Maricopa County massage therapist was arrested Monday for allegedly sexually assaulting his customers.

Gary Nash, 62, is accused of groping, sexually touching and penetrating five female patients while claiming that it was part of the procedure.

Nash operated the Fountains of Youth Renewal Center in Fountain Hills which offered massage therapy and alternative medicine even though Nash is not licensed or trained in the practice.

Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone says Nash preyed on women suffering from ailments ranging from arthritis to diseases and claimed to provide a remedy.

"He would groom them and gain their trust," Penzone said. He found a way to put them in a vulnerable position and took advantage."

Investigators were tipped off by one victim and detectives reached out to the other four. The victims range in age between 37 and 53.

One woman claims the crimes had been ongoing since 2013 and up to last month.

Another alleged victim says she was charged $25,000 for the procedures, and that Nash requested another $35,000 for essential oils.

The confidentiality and trust expected in a doctor/patient relationship was the tactic this criminal used to abuse victims in their vulnerable state. This guise in portraying himself as a legitimate medical provider is a disturbing and disgusting predatory abuse, Penzone said.

The sheriff's office believes more victims may be out there and are asking them to reach out to investigators.

Nash was charged with over 30 counts of various sex crimes on top of fraud and practicing medicine without a license.

Nash faced a judge Wednesday and denied the allegations against him.

"I maintain that I did everything with accountability and with permission and with the appropriate licenses," Nash said to the judge.

Nash's bond was set at $50,000. He was ordered to have no contact with the alleged victims and he will be electronically monitored. His next court date is on March 10.

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Fountain Hills massage therapist accused of sexually assaulting female patients - 12news.com KPNX