Masseur Turns Self In After 3rd Claim of Inappropriate Conduct

SARASOTA, FL – A Sarasota masseur accused of inappropriate behavior toward clients turned himself into the Sarasota County Jail Tuesday morning, Feb. 27.

The Sarasota Police Department issued an arrest warrant for Ruslan Grushco, 44, on Feb. 22 after a third victim came forward to complain about Grushco. He’s been charged with three counts of battery for inappropriate conduct with massage clients.

The latest victim to come forward told detectives that Grushco touched her inappropriately during a massage appointment booked through the online app, Thumbtack, in January.

The first complaint against Grushco was on Aug. 3, 2017, when a woman reported she was battered by Grushco during a massage at the Massage Envy, 1279 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

The victim told detectives that, during her 90-minute session, Grushco lifted the sheet higher than normal and touched her inappropriately.

The victim told detectives she asked Grushco to stop, but said he asked her if she was sure she really wanted him to stop and continued to touch her inappropriately. At the end of the session, Grushco suggested she become a private client, according to the victim.

A second woman came forward telling detectives that Grushco also touched her inappropriately during a massage at her home on July 25. The woman said that Grushco grabbed her breasts so she ended the session.

Gruscho was initially arrested Feb. 2 and charged with battery. He posted a $20,000 bond and was released from the Sarasota County Jail. When the second woman came forward, he was arrested again.

Massage Envy told detectives they relieved Grushco from his position at their company because he was soliciting private clients on the job.

Image via Sarasota Police