CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A Geneva woman is suing a popular massage chain after she was sexually assaulted during a massage.
Christine Schirtzinger, 51 said Massage Envy was careless with her safety and betrayed her and others by not doing a proper background check on massage therapist James "Rob" Garrett-- who was a convicted felon and had also been accused of sexual abuse.
The mother of four said Garrett violated her while performing a massage in December of 2020. Schirtzinger said she immediately told him to stop and reported the crime to police.
Garrett was charged with multiple felonies related to the sexual assault, but pled guilty to reduced misdemeanor charges.
Lawyers for Schirtzinger say what happened to her was 100% preventable and that is why she is now suing Garrett, Massage Envy and and the owner and manager of the Geneva Commons location.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Massage Envy said the company is committed to promoting a safe environment but added they could not comment on pending allegations or litigation.
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