KIRO TV
March 22, 2015
A massage therapist who admits that he groped a woman’s breasts during a Bellevue spa treatment is headed to jail for nine months.
As part of his deal with the King County Prosecutor’s Office, Reggy Michael Arntsen, will also give up his license to practice massage in Washington State.
Arntsen was originally charged with assault for the sexually motivated attack on Diana Lane at Yuan Spa on 106th Avenue Northeast in Bellevue in October 2013. He agreed to plead guilty to a lesser charge, felony indecent liberties, and will not have to register as a sex offender. A guilty verdict or guilty plea to assault with sexual motivation would have required registration.
During the sentencing proceeding on Friday, Lane told the judge how being victimized by Arntsen changed her life.
“In the days and months following the assault I was unable to work, unable to take care of my children or enjoy my life with my husband,” she said through tears. “As the victim of his sexual assault, I do not get to walk away from the violation I endured. I do not get to ‘do my time’ and move on.”
Arntsen, who will turn 39 on Saturday, apologized. “I would just like to express my sorrows and my regret to her and her family,” he said.
However, as he was handcuffed and taken into custody immediately after the sentencing, he looked at Lane and smirked. Lane told KIRO 7 that that look told her that Arntsen wasn’t remorseful for the attack despite what he told King County Superior Court Judge Dean Lum.
As part of his plea deal, Arntsen promised the court that he will forfeit his massage license and will not seek a health care job again in the state of Washington.