Massage therapist accused of sexually assaulting patient in Bellefonte pleads no contest
A massage therapist accused of sexual misconduct with a patient pleaded no contest Monday, which was scheduled to be the first day of a two-day trial.
Carl Nelson, 39, pleaded no contest to one felony count of aggravated indecent assault without consent, Centre County Assistant District Attorney Megan McGoron said.
Two felony counts of sexual assault and one misdemeanor count of indecent assault without consent were dropped.
“We’re pleased that he’s accepted responsibility,” McGoron said. “... The victim and her family are also pleased with the conviction without having to go through the trial process.”
Nelson was accused by Bellefonte police in July 2018 of groping the woman’s genitals and digital penetration during an appointment at Sincere Therapy.
He was sentenced Monday by Centre County Judge Katherine Oliver to 11 1/2 months to 23 1/2 months in the Centre County Correctional Facility. He received credit for 19 months served.
He was also sentenced to three years of probation and is required to register with Megan’s Law for the rest of his life, McGoron said.
“Today’s no contest plea closes this difficult chapter of Mr. Nelson’s life,” defense lawyer Karen Muir said. “These allegations were made against him over two years ago and he has been working hard to put his life back together. Today wasn’t an easy decision for him, but it was the best decision for him based on the evidence and the rulings by the court considering where he is in his life now.”