Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly named the judge who presided over Knutson’s hearing.
A Vancouver massage therapist, whose credentials were suspended earlier this year, is now facing criminal charges for allegedly inappropriately touching five female clients.
Raymond Alan Knutson, 34, faces one count of second-degree rape and five counts of indecent liberties without forcible compulsion. He appeared Wednesday via video link in Clark County Superior Court, according to court records.
Judge Gregory Gonzales granted Knutson supervised release with intensive monitoring. Knutson cannot work as a masseur or represent himself as a massage therapist. He will be arraigned Jan. 12, court records show.
State health officials suspended Knutson’s credentials, pending further legal action, in January.
According to an affidavit of probable cause, a female client reported on July 27, 2018, that she was sexually assaulted by Knutson at his place of employment at 1104 Main St. Another woman also reported being inappropriately touched and having her breasts exposed by Knutson during appointments in the summer of 2019.
Investigators were contacted by the state Department of Health and learned of additional complaints against Knutson at the same location.
Three other women came forward in October 2019 and reported inappropriate touching by Knutson at appointments in 2017 and 2018. Some also said he exposed their breasts during their massages, the affidavit says.
Knutson denied all of the allegations, according to court documents.
The state issued his credentials in November 2012.
