Unlicensed Massage Therapist Accused of Sexual Assault

An unlicensed massage therapist in Shelton has been charged with sexual assault after two customers reported he touched them inappropriately at Coco Spa and more clients have contacted police after learning of the arrest. 

Police arrested 53-year-old Kim Hyung, of Fresh Meadows, New York, on Tuesday morning after investigating two separate complaints from women who do not know each other, police said. 

Hyung went by the name David at the spa, according to the arrest warrant and the first complaint was filed on May 6. A 38-year-old woman said she was inappropriately touched and treated during a massage at the Coco Spa at 704 Bridgeport Ave in Shelton. 

She told police that "David" asked her questions about her marital status, attempted to kiss her and massaged her genitals. Then he talked to her about circulation and said she had to see him every week, the affidavit says. 

Hyung denied trying to kiss the woman and said he thought that she seemed happy with the massage because she gave him a $20 tip, according to police records.

He worked at the spa for about a year and a half and one client complained in April that he touched her inappropriately, the owner told police on May 10, but he thought the complaint was false.

Then, on May 28, a 36-year-old woman made a similar complaint, police said.

She said "David" massaged her breasts, so she told him not to and he responded that he was checking for tumors, according to the affidavit. Then, he asked about her marital status.

When police questioned Hyung, he admitted to touching her breasts and told police he was trained to check women's breasts for tumors, according to the affidavit. 

During the investigation, police discovered that Hyung didn’t have a license to practice massage therapy. 

Hyung was charged with two counts of fourth-degree sexual assault and two counts of practicing massage therapy without a license. 

He was held on a $15,000 bond and arraigned at Derby Superior Court.

Hyung's attorney, Sung-Ho Hwang. spoke outside court and said it's important that people understand that there is a presumption of innocence. He also said he just received the file and will do an investigation. 

NBC Connecticut reached out to the owner and manager of Coco Spa, but neither would comment.

Police said the investigation is ongoing and officers are asking if anyone experienced similar incidents to call the Shelton police at 203-924-1544.

Since releasing information on the arrest, police said more potential victims have come forward.

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