With more women coming forward, police urge anyone who thinks a West Omaha massage therapist inappropriately touched them during a session to come forward.
Melvin Buffington, 62, is charged with 12 misdemeanor and two felony counts to sexual assault. He's still in the Douglas County Jail and his bond is set at $255,000 - 10%.
OPD says on February 11, a 23-year-old woman reported that Buffington had penetrated her during a massage at Oasis Massage & Spa at 132nd & W Dodge Rd. Victims have told police they were assaulted in different degrees. A total of 18 women have contacted police. Investigators say he would test the waters, so to speak, with his clients.
"Our victims are sometimes calling us unsure if they've been assaulted but knew that they felt uncomfortable with what had happened, and also he may describe what he's doing as a technique and the victims just do not feel comfortable with what has happened and when they're calling us it is described as a sexual assault," said Lt. Tracy Scherer with OPD.
Investigators say Buffington worked at Oasis for a year and a half, but may have worked elsewhere in the metro.
If you believe you had inappropriate contact with Buffington call the OPD Child/Victim Sex Assault Unit at (402)-444-5636. Or if you don't feel comfortable speaking with an officer contact the Women's Center for Advancement at (402)-345-7273.
