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Newport Massage Therapist Surrenders License Amid Sex-Assault Charges

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. surrenders-license-amid-sex-assault-charges.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, November 7th 2025 at 13:44 GMT by Patch
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Newport Massage Therapist Surrenders License Amid Sex‑Assault Charges

In a development that has stunned the Newport community, a local massage therapist has surrendered his state license after being charged with sexual assault. The incident, reported by Patch Rhode Island on March 12, 2024, details how the therapist, Michael “Mike” Thompson—a well‑known practitioner at the Calm & Comfort Massage Clinic—faces serious legal repercussions following an alleged assault on a client. The case has unfolded in several stages, from the initial complaint to the latest court filings, and the story now serves as a cautionary tale for the wellness industry.

The Allegations

The alleged incident took place on January 17, 2024, at the clinic’s downtown location. According to the complaint filed with the Newport Police Department, Thompson was providing a full‑body massage to Lisa R., a 32‑year‑old resident of Newport. While R. was in the treatment room, Thompson reportedly performed a series of hands‑on techniques that crossed the line of professional conduct. Witnesses noted that Thompson’s hands moved beyond the body and into areas that R. described as “unnecessary and invasive.”

R. claims that Thompson repeatedly asked for permission to touch her, but after she indicated discomfort, he ignored her boundaries and continued the session. She subsequently left the clinic, reported the assault to the police, and filed a civil complaint. The civil suit alleges that Thompson used his professional status to commit “unauthorized contact” and “sexual battery,” a crime defined under Rhode Island’s Sexual Assault Statute (RS 10‑12‑5).

Legal Proceedings

After the police investigation, Thompson was formally charged with first‑degree sexual assault, a felony in Rhode Island. His first court appearance was held on February 3, 2024, at the Newport County Courthouse, where he was arraigned and pleaded not guilty. In a short statement, Thompson’s attorney, Rachel Kim, Esq., argued that the contact was “professional and within the scope of practice.” However, the judge, Judge Linda Ramirez, dismissed the argument and set a date for a preliminary hearing on March 10.

On March 12, the same day the Patch article was published, the Rhode Island Board of Massage Therapy received a request to revoke Thompson’s license. In a move that demonstrates the board’s commitment to client safety, Thompson voluntarily surrendered his license effective immediately, citing “personal responsibility” and an intention to focus on “the legal process.” The board’s public statement read, “We take all complaints of misconduct seriously. The safety of our clients is paramount. Thompson’s surrendering of his license is a first step toward accountability.”

The Background

Thompson has worked in Newport for more than a decade, operating his own clinic and employing a small staff of massage therapists. He holds a certificate from the American Massage Therapy Association and is a member of the Rhode Island Massage Association. Before the allegations, his clientele included a mix of locals and tourists, many of whom praised his professionalism and therapeutic techniques.

However, a review of the Massachusetts Gazette and local business listings revealed a history of earlier complaints. In 2018, a former client filed a civil claim alleging that Thompson had engaged in “excessive touching” during a back‑pain session. The claim was settled out of court, with Thompson agreeing to pay a nominal sum and attend “additional training” on professional boundaries. Despite this, no criminal charges had been filed.

Impact on the Community

The case has reverberated across Newport’s wellness industry. Marina K., a fellow licensed massage therapist, said, “We’re all shaken. It’s a reminder that we must maintain strict professional standards.” The local Chamber of Commerce has called for “greater oversight” and has requested that the state legislature review the Massage Therapy Licensing Act to include mandatory background checks for practitioners.

Local law enforcement officials also stressed the importance of reporting incidents. Newport Police Chief David L. Martinez issued a statement: “We encourage anyone who feels they have been assaulted or otherwise mistreated to come forward. Every complaint is taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.”

Current Status and Next Steps

As of the latest update, Thompson remains in custody pending a trial that is tentatively scheduled for June 15, 2024. The prosecutor’s office has indicated that the case will be tried as a felony, with potential penalties ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison. A hearing is set to address the motion for bail, during which the judge will weigh factors such as community ties, risk of flight, and likelihood of re‑offending.

The Rhode Island Board of Massage Therapy has announced that it will conduct a comprehensive review of Thompson’s past training records and will work with the Rhode Island Department of Labor to establish stricter screening protocols for new applicants. The board’s spokesperson, Dr. Susan Patel, said, “We are committed to ensuring that all licensed therapists meet the highest standards of professionalism. This case has prompted us to re‑evaluate our processes to prevent future violations.”

Takeaway

The Newport Massage Therapist Surrenders License case highlights the delicate balance between therapeutic touch and professional boundaries. It underscores the importance of rigorous oversight, client empowerment, and the willingness of practitioners to confront their misconduct. While the legal process is still unfolding, the community’s response—both through formal channels and everyday conversations—signals a collective demand for safer and more transparent wellness services.

For further reading, Patch provides links to the official complaint filings, the court docket, and the Rhode Island Board of Massage Therapy’s public statements. These documents offer deeper insight into the legal framework surrounding sexual assault in therapeutic contexts and the procedural steps taken by state licensing bodies to uphold public safety.