Fourth woman files lawsuit against Oasis Massage & Spa alleging assault by former massage...

[massage]

A fourth woman has filed a civil lawsuit against Oasis Massage & Spa, alleging that the business was negligent in supervising a massage therapist who is charged in connection with alleged sexual assaults of her and 19 other women.


The woman, who was listed as Jane Doe #4, filed the suit on Friday. She is represented by the same attorneys as the three other women who filed civil suits starting in March.


One of the attorneys, Vince Powers, said Tuesday that he is in contact with other women who have alleged assault. He said more lawsuits are likely.


“You can’t put a corporation in jail,” he said. “You want to compensate the person who’s been harmed and you want to deter future wrongful conduct.”


Melvin Buffington, 62, was arrested in February and is in jail awaiting trial on two counts of first-degree sexual assault and 19 counts of third-degree sexual assault (one of the women is connected to two charges). If convicted on all counts, he faces a maximum of 119 years in prison.


The lawsuits allege that Oasis, at 689 N. 132nd St., failed to investigate Buffington’s background, supervise him or have safeguards in place to address complaints. Two women allege that they were assaulted on Jan. 12, one on Jan. 23 and another on Sept. 6.


Police said two women were digitally penetrated by Buffington during their massage. One of the women said she was assaulted on Jan. 12, and reported it to Oasis “immediately,” Lt. Tracy Scherer has said.


Some of the other women told The World-Herald that Buffington touched their breasts, genitals and inner thighs.


Buffington had worked at Oasis since August 2016, owner Lindsey Carper has said. Carper also said the business is cooperating with police.


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