PUBLIC SAFETY FACILITY — A Santa Monica message therapist plead guilty last week to sexually assaulting a client in 2011, police announced Wednesday.
Jesse Tovar, 23, was convicted on one felony count of false imprisonment and one count of misdemeanor sexual battery. He will serve six months in jail and 30 days of community service. He is scheduled to begin his sentence in early April.
Santa Monica police say the incident began when the victim came forward following an appointment with Tovar at The Massage Company on Wilshire Boulevard.
She told police that Tovar put his hands down her underwear during a massage and digitally penetrated her against her will. She fled the location immediately and reported the incident to authorities.
Tovar was taken into custody in April of 2011.
The SMPD is currently searching for other potential victims. They are urged to contact Detective Duane Hicks at (310) 458-8983 or Sgt. Darrick Jacob at (310) 458-8460.
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