PEORIA, AZ — A Peoria massage therapist has been arrested, accused of sexually assaulting a client.
Peoria police report that Thursday morning they arrested Anthony Joseph Pagliaro, age 58, at his home office near 83rd Avenue and Beardsley Road.
Pagliaro is accused of sexually assaulting a female client at his home office on March 20. The victim reported to police that she was a return client of Pagliaro, who she used as a massage therapist when he worked for a chiropractic office.
During the massage, the victim says Pagliaro began sexually touching her, and she thought to herself, "Is he really doing this?" She reportedly told him, "I'm not here to have sex."
The victim told police she was fearful for her life as Pagliaro is a full foot taller than her. She later excused herself to the restroom, got dressed and left the home.
She later reported the incident to police. In a recorded conversation with the victim, Pagliaro allegedly admitted that the sexual touching was nonconsensual and blamed the incident on "male stupidity."
Pagliaro is being held on a $50,000 bond for sexual abuse and sexual assault.
If you or someone you know is the victim of domestic or sexual violence, there are several local and national organizations offering resources. Anyone in need of immediate assistance should contact either the Maricopa County Shelter Line at 480-890-3039, the National 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), or the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence at 602-279-2900. A number of organizations are available 24 hours a day for anyone at risk of experiencing domestic or sexual violence. See a directory of domestic violence programs here.
