Key Takeaways
- Nathan Adam Thornsberry, a 44-year-old licensed massage therapist from North Branch, Michigan, was arrested on October 29, 2026, and charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct after allegedly sexually assaulting a female client during a massage appointment in Rochester Hills.
- The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office announced on November 6, 2026, that several additional individuals came forward with allegations against Thornsberry, and investigators believe there may be even more victims.
- The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) lists Thornsberry’s massage therapy license as active as of the time of this writing.
Michigan massage therapist Nathan Adam Thornsberry has been charged with felony criminal sexual conduct after allegedly sexually assaulting a woman during a massage appointment in Rochester Hills, Michigan.
The 44-year-old North Branch resident was arrested on October 29, 2026, at another spa in Shelby Township, where he had obtained new employment.
In an October 30 press release, the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office announced the criminal charge against Thornsberry. Just one week later, on November 6, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office issued a second press release seeking additional potential victims after several more individuals came forward with allegations of inappropriate sexual contact involving him.
Nathan Thornsberry Allegedly Sexually Assaulted Client
According to an October 30, 2026, press release from the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office, the alleged sexual assault occurred on August 12, 2026, while Thornsberry was providing a massage to a female client at a spa in Rochester Hills.
Prosecutors allege that “the defendant allegedly touched [the woman’s] intimate areas and sexually penetrated her with his finger. The victim told the defendant to stop, but he allegedly continued touching her as he withdrew his hand.”
According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, “the investigation began in August 2026 after a woman reported that Thornsberry had sexually assaulted her during a scheduled massage appointment at a Rochester Hills spa where he was employed. On Oct. 28, 2026, the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office authorized one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct against Thornsberry. The following day, Oct. 29, members of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Apprehension Team (FAT) located and arrested Thornsberry at his new place of employment, another spa in Shelby Township.”
Prosecutor McDonald stated in the press release “‘Massage and other therapeutic treatments are professional services. Customers have a right to expect to be treated professionally. This defendant allegedly abused his position of trust to violate the victim.’”
Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Seeks Additional Victims
On November 6, 2026, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office issued a press release seeking additional victims.
According to the release, several additional individuals came forward with allegations of inappropriate sexual contact involving Thornsberry after news of his arrest became public.
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard praised investigators for their swift response to the allegations and urged other potential victims to come forward to help hold Thornsberry accountable.
In the release, they stated, “Deputies are actively investigating these additional reports. Investigators believe there may be other individuals who experienced similar conduct but have not yet contacted law enforcement. The Sheriff’s Office is encouraging anyone who believes they may have been subjected to inappropriate sexual contact or other misconduct by Thornsberry, whether at his former workplace in Rochester Hills or elsewhere, to come forward and speak with investigators.”
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Rochester Hills Substation can be contacted 248-537-3530.
Authorities stated that the investigation remains ongoing.
The Detroit News reported on November 6, 2026 that Thornsberry’s attorney, Michael Dean, declined to comment on the current sexual assault case.
Nathan Thornsberry’s Michigan Massage Therapy License
According to records from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Thornsberry holds a Michigan massage therapy license.
The licensing record identifies the following information:
- License Type: Massage Therapist
- License Number: 7501017037
- License Issue Date: July 14, 2025
- License Expiration Date: July 14, 2028
- License Status: Active
- County: Lapeer
It is currently unknown whether Michigan licensing authorities have received complaints involving Thornsberry or initiated any professional disciplinary proceedings related to the allegations.
Nathan Thornsberry Previously Arrested and Pardoned in January 6 Capitol Case
Thornsberry was previously arrested in August 2024, in connection with his alleged involvement in the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol attack.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Thornsberry faced two felony charges involving obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder and assaulting, resisting, or impeding law enforcement officers, along with four misdemeanor offenses, including disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds.
Federal investigators alleged that Thornsberry was among a crowd gathered on the Lower West Terrace of the Capitol, where he participated in efforts to push through police barricades.
According to New Media Detroit, “Federal investigators alleged Thornsberry repeatedly pushed backward against a metal bike-rack barricade being manned by law enforcement officers. When officers ordered the crowd to move back, investigators said Thornsberry could be heard repeatedly yelling, ‘Bring It!’ Investigators identified Thornsberry in footage wearing a black jacket displaying a large U.S. Marine Corps emblem and the word ‘Marines.’ Federal records cited by investigators confirmed that Thornsberry had served in the U.S. Marine Corps.”
Federal investigators linked Thornsberry to a book he self-published under the name Nathaniel Matthews, titled January 6: A Patriot’s Story.
On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation granting pardons and directing the dismissal of pending January 6-related criminal cases.
Thornsberry’s pending federal charges were subsequently dismissed.
Legal Options for Survivors of Massage Therapist Sexual Abuse
Sexual assault allegations involving massage therapists raise important questions about client safety, professional boundaries, and the responsibilities of businesses that employ massage therapists.
Massage therapists occupy positions of significant trust. Clients may be partially undressed and physically vulnerable, relying on their therapist to maintain appropriate professional boundaries throughout treatment.
Individuals who experience sexual assault during a massage appointment may have civil legal rights separate from any criminal prosecution. Depending on the circumstances, a civil lawsuit may involve the individual massage therapist, the business that employed them, or other parties whose negligence may have contributed to the abuse.
A civil investigation can examine:
- Background checks and hiring practices: Whether the business conducted appropriate screening, including reviewing available criminal history and professional licensing records.
- Prior complaints or warning signs: Whether clients, employees, or others previously reported inappropriate touching, boundary violations, or other concerning behavior.
- Client safety and reporting procedures: Whether clients and employees had accessible ways to report misconduct and whether complaints were appropriately investigated.
These factors may help determine what a business knew or should have known about a potential risk to clients and whether reasonable precautions could have prevented harm.
Survivors may be able to pursue compensation for emotional distress, therapy expenses, medical costs, and other damages through a civil lawsuit. They do not necessarily need to wait for a criminal conviction to explore their legal options.
Beyond financial compensation, civil lawsuits can help uncover institutional failures, promote accountability, and encourage stronger safeguards to protect clients from future abuse.
Andreozzi + Foote Represents Survivors of Massage Therapist Sexual Abuse
Andreozzi + Foote represents survivors of sexual abuse nationwide, including individuals harmed by massage therapists and healthcare providers who misuse positions of professional trust.
Our attorneys investigate allegations of sexual misconduct and potential institutional negligence, including whether businesses ignored warning signs or failed to take reasonable steps to protect clients.
We serve clients nationwide, including in Michigan.
If you or someone you know was sexually assaulted by Nathan Adam Thornsberry or another massage therapist, you may have legal options. Being violated by a professional entrusted with your care is a profound breach of trust, and you deserve justice.
Whether you are ready to take legal action or simply want to understand your rights, our trauma-informed attorneys are here to listen and guide you with compassion through the civil process.
We encourage you to contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.
📞 (866) 311-8640
📧 info@vca.law
Image source: Nathan Thornsberry, via Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.
