Kenneth Murphy from Hollister was arrested on May 1 at the spa on Big Basin Way, where he worked as a massage therapist for two months. According to Deputy Terrence Helm from the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, a woman reported being assaulted by Murphy, who was giving the victim a 45-minute full body massage on April 30. Murphy allegedly rubbed the victim's groin and breast areas and "at one point inserted a finger into her vagina, causing a burning sensation from the lotions he had on his hands," states a press release. Helm said that the victim was "too frightened to move or speak" and reported the incident as soon as she returned home.

Murphy was released on a $25,000 bail and is scheduled for a court arraignment on May 30.

Since then, Helm said that two more victims reported similar incidences with Murphy on previous visits to the spa. The first incident allegedly occurred on April 22, and the second approximately a week later.

Despite the alleged occurrences, potential and regular clients said they will not stop going to the day spa or any other spa to get massage therapy.

"I refuse to be paranoid," said Julie Hoefler, who goes to the spa approximately every three months to get facials and occasional massage therapy. "I wouldn't even think twice about going back."

Hoefler compared this incident to sending her children to school where there may be many well-qualified teachers and perhaps one bad apple who makes improper advances toward the students.

"We can't stop sending our children to school," she said.

Hoefler also added that Patricia Bottero, the owner of the day spa, and the other employees should not be held responsible for Murphy's actions.

Fellow merchants like Sherry Hanson from Uncorked have also been showing their support for the 15-year-old business.

Hanson, who is relatively new to Saratoga, has been to Harmonie approximately four times within the past six months and said she's had a pleasant experience every time.

"Patricia's spa is fantastic," she said. "The staff is highly professional and friendly."

Hanson said that the recent event has not discouraged her from going back.

"You can only go so far to prevent things like this from happening," she said.

Bottero has been a member of the Chamber of Commerce for the past 13 years. According to Carmel Scott, the Chamber's executive account manager, there have not been any calls regarding negative responses from the public. In contrast, she said that people have been calling in to ask for numbers and directions to the spa.

"The spa is a wonderful facility," said Kristin Davis, the Chamber's executive director. "This is an unfortunate circumstance."

Davis, who has visited the spa seven times within the last year, said she wouldn't hesitate to return to the spa and even recommends that others try it.

Bottero said she is thankful for the community support she's been getting.

"We have a close-knit community in Saratoga that bands together and helps each other in difficult situations," she said.

Bottero was present during the arrest and said she was "outraged that someone could do such a shameful act and breach the trust of the client." But, she said her first thoughts were with the victim.

"I am grateful that this client had the courage to tell authorities what happened and that she reported the incident immediately," said the owner.

According the Bottero, all massage therapists undergo strict testing procedures with the company and the city before employment.

In addition to the initial interview and background check done by the company, each candidate must go through another round of background checks by the sheriff's office and be evaluated by a doctor to test the candidate's knowledge of anatomy. Fingerprints and blood tests are also taken.

There are 10 massage therapists on staff at the spa—each one has received a minimum of 750 hours of formal massage therapy education, well beyond the 300 hours required by the city.

Peggy Borgmann, the owner of Preston Wynne Spa, said this is the first time she's heard of anything like this happening in Saratoga, but it's not uncommon that perpetrators pursue similar fields to exploit the vulnerability of others.

Borgmann said she understands how the victim feels. She was also a victim of unethical massage therapy when she was a college student.

"I know how frightening the experience can be and how difficult it is to speak out," she said. "These individuals are usually very good at making you feel that you're somehow complicit."

Although Harmonie is her principal competitor, Borgmann said she is supportive of Bottero and commended her hard work and the "outstanding reputation" of the business.

In addition, Borgmann pointed out that it is more common that clients confuse therapeutic massage therapy with adult entertainment.

"This is a stigma spas are still battling, and part of the reason why we pay so much money for our licenses," she said. "The money is supposed to fund investigations of illegal massage operations."

According to Bottero, her business has been doing well. There are more than 50,000 clients listed in their database. No one has cancelled any appointments thus far, and the schedule is booked until mid-June.