A Cheshire massage therapist accused of filming and photographing female clients without their permission is facing voyeurism charges, police said.
Police arrested Dolce Vita Massage employee Anthony Gordon, 37, of East Hartford, on five counts of voyeurism charges.
"That's a complete shock. I'm surprised about that, especially around here," said Prospect resident Kimberley Meade, who has been to the particular spa before.
Opened for more than a year, Dolce Vita Massage in Cheshire is known to people as a place to relax and unwind, but police say Gordon took advantage of that environment.
"The victim came in to report something suspicious happening during the massage," said Cheshire Police Lt. Jeffrey Sutherland. "She said that she had seen a flash and heard what she described as the noise from an iPhone."
The arrest comes after a six-week investigation Cheshire detectives launches on Aug. 19. After a female customer at Dolce Vita came forward accusing Gordon of taking photos and/or videos of her without her consent, police identified four more female victims, police said.
Investigators say they found pictures and videos on Gordon's phone of five women in various states of undress. Police charged the 37-year-old with five counts of voyeurism.
U.S. & World
NBC Connecticut went to Gordon's home in East Hartford. A woman answered but said nothing before shutting the door.
The owner of Dolce Vita Massage did not want to go on camera but told NBC Connecticut that the accusation came as a shock and Gordon was immediately fired. She says she hired him six months ago as an independent contractor, that he was properly licensed, and came across polite and professional with no one ever complaining about him.
Authorities believe Dolce Vita may not have been his only employer.
"From what I understand, he may have worked at other communities. We've been in touch with those police departments as well just to make them aware of the situation," said Lt. Sutherland.
Investigators say all five victims have been notified and for now their case is closed. If you believe you may have been a victim of Gordon's, give police a call.
The owner of Dolce Vita says she's now prohibiting electronic devices inside the massage rooms.
Police released Gordon on a $35,000 bond. He is due in Meriden Superior Court on Oct. 9 at 9 a.m.
