South County Massage Therapist Guilty of Sexually Abusing Clients

A San Clemente massage therapist was convicted Tuesday of committing sexual battery against four women and inappropriately touching another woman.

Ping Li, 51, San Clemente, was found guilty by a jury of four misdemeanor counts of sexual battery and one misdemeanor count of simple battery. He faces a maximum sentence of two and a half years in jail and a $10,000 fine at his sentencing, Sept. 3.

At the time of the crime, Li co-owned and operated Massage Clover in San Clemente. Li worked as a licensed massage therapist. On four occasions between June 4, 2014, and Oct. 4, 2014, Li committed sexual battery against three female clients who ranged in age from 20 years old to 57 years old, according to prosecutors. During the massage, while he was alone with the three female clients, he began touching their private areas against their will.

He committed sexual battery against a female employee by coming up from behind her and touching her breast and vagina over her clothes when there were no other employees or customers around. He also inappropriately touched a fourth female client, by nearly touching her vagina during a massage.

Submitted by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office