Blind masseur in Monroe accused of inappropriate touching

Published 1:30 am Monday, September 19, 2016

MONROE — Police in Monroe are investigating reports from three women who have alleged that a legally blind licensed massage therapist touched them inappropriately.

The Monroe Police Department on Monday identified the health care worker as Charles G. Crawford, 68.

Snohomish County prosecutors filed an indecent liberties charge against Crawford earlier this month alleging he had touched a client in a sexual manner during a treatment session in February.

In that case, a 40-year-old woman told a detective the inappropriate touching occurred during a 90-minute massage.

“The victim has had massages in the past and describes this particular incident as ‘creepy and frightening,’” deputy prosecutor Bob Langbehn wrote in charging papers.

The woman also reported Crawford to the state Department of Health.

In a letter to the state agency, the defendant said the touching was in performance of his job and that it was unintentional.

Charges in that case were filed Sept. 7, according to court papers. His arraignment is set for Sept. 28.

On Sept. 12, another woman, 37, came forward with allegations the defendant had inappropriately touched her during a massage earlier in the month.

Crawford filled out a report about the incident in which he said his boss told him about the woman’s concerns. He described the touching as accidental. “I felt sick that I had caused her distress,” he wrote. “I am so sorry.”

A third woman, 49, also indicated, she, too, believed the massage therapist touched her inappropriately.

Crawford, who has no previous criminal history, was arrested for investigation of indecent liberties on Thursday.

Anyone with additional information about the incidents is asked to call Monroe police at 360-794-6300. Calls also can be made to the department’s tip line at 360-863-4600.

Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446, stevick@heraldnet.com