Santa Monica Masseur Guilty of Sexual Assault

A 23-year-old masseur will spend six months in jail for sexually assaulting a woman during a massage last spring at a downtown Santa Monica day spa, according to police.

During the message, Jesse Tovar reportedly slid his hands down the woman's underpants and digitally penetrated her.

On Friday, Tovar pleaded guilty to one felony count of false imprisonment and one count of misdemeanor sexual battery, according to the Santa Monica Police Department.

"Investigators are looking to see if there may be additional victims who may be willing to come forward," said Sgt. Richard Lewis.

In addition to jail time, Tovar will perform 30 days of Cal-Trans community service, attend sexual compulsion counseling and will register as a sex offender.

The assault occured at The Massage Company at 201 Wilshire Blvd., where Tovar was working as a message technician. The woman immediately fled the business and reported the assault to police on April 21, 2011. Tovar was arrested the next day.

He will begin serving his sentence at the Los Angeles County Jail on April 11.

Santa Monica police suspect there might be other victims. Anyone with information was asked to contact Detective Duane Hicks at (310) 458-8983 or Sgt. Darrick Jacob at (310) 458-8460. The Santa Monica Police Department's 24/7 line is (310) 458-8495.

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