A massage therapist in Belton, Texas is now at the center of a serious legal case. What started as complaints from multiple clients has now led to formal criminal charges and a suspension of his professional license. This case highlights growing concerns around client safety in personal care industries.
Charges Filed Against Demarr Lowe Thomas
Demarr Lowe Thomas, the former owner of The Retreat Therapeutic Massage, is facing indecent assault charges for alleged inappropriate behaviour during massage sessions. The charges are based on three separate incidents, each involving different clients. All three incidents reportedly occurred while Thomas was actively working as a massage therapist.
TDLR Suspends License Until Trial Verdict
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) has officially revoked Thomas’s massage therapy license as of this week. The suspension will remain in place until a final decision is reached in court. His trial is scheduled to begin on September 15 of this year.
Previously, despite being under investigation, Thomas was still legally permitted to practice, raising questions about how such cases are managed and when licenses should be suspended in public interest.
Incident Reported in August 2022
One of the reported incidents occurred in August 2022, when a woman booked a 90-minute massage with Thomas. According to her police report, she was touched inappropriately during the session. Interestingly, she mentioned that Thomas had provided several massages in the past without any such issues.
After the session, the victim took one of his business cards to ensure she could file a proper report with his full details.
Earlier Arrest in May 2022
Before the August complaint, Thomas was already arrested in May 2022 for a separate incident. In that case, a client claimed he massaged areas she had clearly marked as restricted on the intake form. Although Thomas admitted to performing the massage, he denied any intention of assault or wrongdoing.
Protecting Public Safety
It wasn’t until months later that the TDLR took formal action. With growing public concern, this step is being seen as necessary to protect clients — especially women — from potential harm while receiving services that involve physical contact and personal boundaries.
As the legal process continues, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of professional standards, client consent, and strict regulatory enforcement in industries involving personal care and touch.