A masseuse, identified as 33-year-old Zantana Zuniga, has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman during a massage at a spa located in Dallas-Fort Worth Airport’s Terminal C. The incident occurred on August 11, when the woman, Sadie Kolves of Florida, visited the spa during a layover. In a series of TikTok videos, Kolves publicly accused Zuniga of aggressively groping her, resulting in bruises on her upper thigh that made it difficult for her to walk. Zuniga has been charged with indecent assault, and the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office is handling the case. The affidavit also revealed that there have been five investigations by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation into alleged inappropriate conduct by Zuniga, with four of them still pending.
Although Zuniga’s massage therapy license is still active, and no disciplinary action has been taken against him by the state, he is no longer employed by the SpaHere location where the assault took place. An assistant manager at the spa confirmed Zuniga’s termination but declined to provide further comments on the matter. Meanwhile, attorneys representing Zuniga have also declined to comment on the case. It is noteworthy that the incident has sparked public outrage and drawn attention to the issue of sexual assault in massage therapy settings. The woman’s decision to publicly share her story on TikTok has brought the issue into the spotlight, leading to increased scrutiny of Zuniga’s actions and the spa’s response to the incident.
The case has implications beyond just Zuniga’s alleged actions, as it highlights the need for stronger regulations and oversight in the massage therapy industry to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. The fact that there have been multiple investigations into Zuniga’s behavior suggests that there may have been warning signs that were overlooked or not addressed appropriately. Additionally, the response of the spa management to the incident raises questions about their handling of the situation and their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of their clients. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of holding individuals and businesses accountable for their actions and ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to protect individuals from harm.
The outcome of the legal proceedings against Zuniga will likely have a significant impact on the massage therapy industry and how cases of sexual assault are addressed within the profession. If Zuniga is found guilty, it could lead to increased scrutiny of other massage therapists and potentially result in stricter regulations to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. The case also underscores the importance of empowering individuals to speak out against abuse and harassment, as Kolves did by sharing her story on social media. By raising awareness about the issue, survivors of sexual assault can help create a more supportive and accountable environment for addressing such misconduct.
As the case continues to unfold, it is crucial for authorities and the public to closely monitor the proceedings and hold all parties involved accountable for their actions. By taking a stand against sexual assault and advocating for stronger regulations in the massage therapy industry, we can work towards creating a safer and more respectful environment for individuals seeking therapeutic services. The bravery of individuals like Sadie Kolves in coming forward to share their experiences can serve as a catalyst for change and contribute to a cultural shift towards greater accountability and transparency in addressing issues of abuse and misconduct.
