Jury finds spa worker not guilty of sexual assault

Victor Antonio Sanchez did not testify in his defense

MIAMI – A massage therapist accused of sexually assaulting three women has been found not guilty by a jury.

Victor Antonio Sanchez chose not to testify, and the defense did not call any other witnesses to the stand Wednesday.

The Miami-Dade County judge overseeing the trial gave the jury its first instructions earlier in the day after closing arguments finished.

On Tuesday, one of the alleged victims testified against Sanchez in court. She claimed Sanchez massaged her at the Tiano Salon and Spa in Coconut Grove. She said he hit on her, touched her private parts twice and licked her genitals.

Sanchez's attorney said her client is innocent.

"Victor Sanchez is an innocent man," said the defense attorney. "He may not be a great masseuse, but he's not a rapist."

Sanchez spoke after the verdict was ready, saying he "was always confident that (he) would win."

"I feel happy," said Sanchez. "Justice was done. God's law does not believe in tricks. I'm very happy. Thanks to God, my lawyers, my family, the people, friends who always believed in me."

A civil lawsuit has also been filed claiming the salon did not take action after the sexual assault allegations.


About the Author:

Liane Morejon is an Emmy-winning reporter who joined the Local 10 News family in January 2010. Born and raised in Coral Gables, Liane has a unique perspective on covering news in her own backyard.