Unlicensed Columbia masseuse accused of sexual abuse

An unlicensed Columbia massage therapist is charged with second-degree sexual abuse after he allegedly touched a woman inappropriately.

According to a probable cause statement, Karl A. Swope was charged Wednesday after the victim reported the incident to Columbia police.

Police said the victim went to Swope’s home in Columbia because she was experiencing neck and shoulder pain. A probable cause statement said she received information about Scope from a person “close to her who had seen him.” That person said Swope had portrayed himself as a retired chiropractor.

The victim told police that she was asked to take her clothes off and during the massage, Swope “would repeatedly massage her groin area and the area directly under her breasts.” The victim said Swope nearly touched her genitals and, at one point, he put his hand under her underwear.

According to the victim, “Swope told her that he had to massage those areas because they were an area where muscles connect.”

The victim told police she was “very uncomfortable” during the massage but was “afraid to say anything because she was worried she was overreacting.” She said she canceled all future visits after her second massage.

The Missouri Office of Professional Registration confirmed to Columbia police that they have numerous other victims of Swope who have come forward, the statement said.

The Rolla Police Department also said Swope has been accused of similar behavior numerous times in the past, including sodomy and child molestation.