Case # 14HM08787
Date: July 30, 2015
SAN CLEMENTE MASSAGE THERAPIST FACES TRIAL FOR SEXUAL BATTERY AGAINST SIX WOMEN
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. – A San Clemente massage therapist is scheduled to face trial this morning for committing sexual battery against six women. Ping Li, 51, San Clemente, is charged with six misdemeanor counts of sexual battery against six victims. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of three years in jail and a $12,000 fine. Opening statements are expected to begin this morning at 10:30 a.m. in Department H-12, Harbor Justice Center, Newport Beach.
At the time of the crime, Li owned and operated Massage Clover in San Clemente. Li is accused of working as a licensed massage therapist.
Between June 4, 2014, and Oct. 4, 2014, Li is accused of committing sexual battery by inappropriately touching a massage parlor employee and five clients for the purpose of sexual arousal, sexual gratification, or sexual abuse on six separate occasions. The victims reported the crimes to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, who investigated this case.
Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Schaniel is prosecuting this case.