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Former Massage Envy employee arrested for battery in front of our cameras

While 10 News Reporter Isabel Mascarenas was getting an exclusive interview with Ruslan Grushco, two detectives with Sarasota Police arrived at his apartment to arrest him again.

Sarasota, Florida- A former Massage Envy employee is handcuffed in front of our cameras on a second charge of battery.

While 10 News Reporter Isabel Mascarenas was getting an exclusive interview with Ruslan Grushco, two detectives with Sarasota Police arrived at his apartment to arrest him again. But before being hauled off to jail Grushco answered some of her questions.

Isabel: "What about the allegations you touched a client inappropriately?"

Grushco: “All false, I’ve always been professional. Nothing is true.”

Isabel: “This woman’s account of what you allegedly did is very detailed. You allegedly touched in areas she’s not accustomed to.”

Grushco; “I read the report, I have significant doubts about her mental state.”

Ruslan Grushco, a former massage therapist at Massage Envy on South Tamiami Trail, was out on bail for battery this morning for inappropriately touching a client back in August.

The victim told police he lifted the sheet higher than normal, and touched her in areas she wasn’t accustomed to during a massage.

Isabel: “Police say there could be other victims here.”

Gruschco, “No victims, always professional.”

As I wrapped up our 5-minute long interview and Grushco turned to open his apartment door, a Sarasota detective grabbed his arm and detained him.

The detective said, “Nope, we have another arrest.”

As Detective Kim Laster put Grushco’s left arm behind his back to handcuff him, she said, “I have another warrant for your arrest, put your hands behind your back, do not resist me.”

Grushco was handcuffed in the hallway.

Last week, a second victim told police Grushco also touched her inappropriately. The victim said while at a Massage Envy session in July, Grushco solicited her for his private business called 'Magic of Massage.'

Isabel: “Massage Envy says you were soliciting clients for your own private business.”

Grushco replied, “I wasn’t soliciting clients for me.”

While at her home a few days later, the second victim to come forward told police Grushco massaged her breasts and came close to touching other personal areas.

Grushco said he has 100’s and 100’s of reviews and feedback.

“All of them are positive, not a single negative,” said the 44-year-old licensed massage therapist.

We found only a handful of positive reviews online.

“I think it’s horribly disgusting,” said Ellen (she asked we not use her last name).

Ellen says she’s been a happy Massage Envy customer for five years, but finds this news upsetting.

“I’m happy to hear someone had the guts to complain and he’s been arrested,” said Ellen.

Even after his second arrest, Grushco insists the allegations are false. He said, “I am innocent, I have been professional.”

Gruscho has been a licensed massage therapist for nine months. Police believe there are likely more victims out there. Anyone with information is asked to call the Sarasota Police Department, Detective Kim Laster at 941-364-7327 or Crime Stoppers 941-366-TIPS

This arrest adds to the allegations of sexual assaults "Massage Envy." At least 180 people have filed sexual assault civil suits.

Massage Envy has roughly 1200 locations nationwide. Over the past 15 years, Massage Envy estimates they've given more than 125 MILLION massages.

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