Massage therapist shares insights on Texas protocols and regulations

BELL COUNTY, Texas — The former business partner of a Belton massage therapist accused of assaulting clients talks to 6 News about the allegations and the protocols in place to regulate the Texas massage therapy program.

DeMarr Thomas was charged with indecently assaulting a customer in June. It was the third accusation he has faced from customers in the past two years. The others include another indecent assault and sexual assault.

Thomas is the owner of The Retreat Therapeutic Massage in Belton, which is also where his former business partner Kacie Owens got his start.

“I feel sad that something was going on and I had no idea,” Owens said. “I didn’t see those warning signs. I’ve had clients come in here and they didn’t feel like something was right (at The Retreat). They felt uncomfortable and didn’t think it was a good place, so they looked for another place and didn’t give me details, but they were uncomfortable with the therapist they were talking about.”

Owens said since Thomas was first arrested, she has been trying to reach an agreement with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). TDLR is the state agency that regulates the Texas massage therapy program. A TDLR spokesperson told 6 News they have filed a cease and desist order against Thomas, but they cannot revoke any licenses until the legal proceedings are complete.

Owens believes the state needs to change protocols to better protect the program and the consumer.

“I definitely think there has to be a better way to handle this,” Owens said. “I know from their perspective you’re innocent until proven guilty, but I also don’t think we have to trust them to act on their own without any strings attached. I think they need to have a freeze period so that the investigation can take place. I don’t think they should be able to work until they’re in court to prevent other situations from happening.”

Owens is also a massage instructor. The recent allegations have changed her perspective, as well as the way she believes she should teach.

“Knowing that this is happening and that it’s legal, that it’s licensed, that it’s licensed by the institution — that makes me have to change the way I teach ethics,” Owens said.

Owens also advises clients to do their own research and look out for red flags.

“If at any point you walk into a venue and you don’t feel comfortable and you don’t feel like those boundaries are being followed, you can just leave,” Owens explained. “It should all be in writing. You shouldn’t have any questions about what your safety is.”

Consumers seeking a massage are asked to check the TDLR website before their session to make sure the facility and massage therapist are licensed. They are also asked to check the administrative order database for any disciplinary actions taken against them in the past two years.

“It’s important to recognize that no one person is excusing the entire system,” Owens said. “There are those who think they can get away with it or don’t think they’re doing anything wrong because they’ve raised that person to think that way. I just don’t want people to realize or think that’s the case in every instance.”

Anyone who believes they have been sexually assaulted during a massage session should immediately report it to law enforcement, as well as file a complaint with the TDLR. You can file a complaint here.

TDLR has also provided guidance for consumers on what they can look for to best protect themselves during massages.