Crime & Safety
Police Seek Victims of Spa Operator Accused of Sexually Assaulting Trainee
Investigators suspect there are additional victims of a man they accuse of using his position to assault at least one potential employee.
A 72-year-old Laguna Niguel spa operator was arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a woman he claimed to be training to work in a second location at Fashion Island, and investigators said today they suspect there may be other alleged victims.
Raymond Newton Baker of Laguna Niguel was booked on suspicion of penetration with a foreign object and sexual battery last Thursday, according to Orange County sheriff’s Lt. Jeff Hallock. Baker posted $50,000 bail the same day and was released, Hallock said.
The 29-year-old alleged victim told investigators that he sexually assaulted her with what he called a “Micro Current” device several times over a three-month period as he was supposedly training her at his Laguna Niguel spa, Beautiful Image LLC, at 30012 Ivy Glenn, Hallock said.
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Baker allegedly told the woman the device was soon to be patented and claimed it would reduce age lines, cellulite and help its users lose weight, Hallock said.
The woman met Baker through a Craigslist ad seeking staff for another spa he said he planned to open at the Fashion Island mall in Newport Beach, Hallock said. At some point during the “training,” Baker said he changed his business name to “Bio Nova LLC,” according to the lieutenant.
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Baker claimed 18 other women took part in his training program but couldn’t make the grade, which has fed suspicions from investigators that there may be more victims, Hallock said.
No charges have been filed against Baker at this point. Prosecutors are reviewing the allegations, Hallock said.
Anyone with information about Baker or who believes they may have been a victim are asked to call Sgt. Wade Walsvick at (714) 647-7418 or (714) 647- 7000. Anonymous tips may be made to Orange County Crime Stoppers at (855) TIP- OCCS.
- City News Service
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