| For Immediate Release Case #10CM07420 July 8, 2011 |
Susan Kang Schroeder Chief of Staff Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami |
MAN FACES TRIAL FOR SEXUALLY ASSAULTING WOMAN WHILE PRETENDING TO GIVE
ACUPRESSURE THERAPY
SANTA ANA – A man faces trial Monday for sexually assaulting a woman in his Santa Ana home under the pretense of performing acupressure therapy. Thuan Van Nguyen, 56, Santa Ana, will be arraigned on an amended complaint for one misdemeanor count of sexual battery by fraud and two misdemeanor counts of sexual battery. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of two years in jail. Opening statements are expected to begin Monday, July 11, 2011, at 9:30 a.m. in Department C-52, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.
On July 3, 2010, 38-year-old Jane Doe went to the Nguyen’s Santa Ana home to receive acupressure therapy. The victim’s mother had met Nguyen at a pharmacy in Westminster and he is accused of claiming to be able to help her with her physical ailments by proving acupressure treatment.
Nguyen is accused of taking the victim into a bedroom, which contained no medical or massage equipment, and instructing Jane Doe to remove her shirt and lie on her stomach. He is accused of massaging the victim’s back and then beginning to rub her breasts. The startled victim got up and left the room.
Nguyen is accused of following Jane Doe and convincing her to return to the room by claiming that she will end up with arthritis and back problems if she did not complete her treatment. He is accused of having the victim lie on her back and continuing to sexually assault her by fondling her breasts and vaginal area and rubbing his pelvis against hers. The defendant is accused of telling Jane Doe that the touching was part of the treatment.
Jane Doe reported the sexual assault to the Santa Ana Police Department the following day.
Deputy District Attorney Brad Schoenleben is prosecuting this case.
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