Former Massage Envy employee in Chattanooga accused of secretly filming clients - Chattanooga Times Free Press

[David Floyd]

Chattanooga police are investigating a former employee at Massage Envy at Hamilton Place who has been accused of recording clients without their consent.

Kenneth Spears also had his massage therapy license revoked by a Tennessee board. A state disciplinary action report from March said Spears in September 2024 used his cell phone to record at least one female client dressing and undressing in a private massage room. Spears was also assessed a $1,000 civil penalty.

Chattanooga police spokesperson Sgt. Victor Miller said multiple victims have been identified. Because this is an active an open investigation, no police reports are publicly available, he said in an email. Spears has not been arrested.

In a statement, a representative for Massage Envy said the company was outraged and deeply saddened by the "reprehensible actions of a former employee."

Spears violated the company's strict internal rules, clear regulations by the state and the Massage Envy brand, the statement said. Safety is a top priority for Massage Envy, the company said, and officials immediately fired Spears, notified the state licensing board and alerted law enforcement "as soon as we became aware of the inappropriate conduct."

"We remain fully engaged in supporting the ongoing investigation and have closely followed law enforcement's direction," the company said. "Our focus is on supporting those affected and rebuilding the trust of our clients and community. We cannot emphasize how much we appreciate the continued support of our loyal clients and friends."

The Chattanooga Times Free Press left a voicemail on a phone number listed online for Spears, seeking comment.

(READ MORE: Massage Envy 'shaken' by reported sexual misconduct at spas)

Started in 2002, spa chain Massage Envy has about 1,000 franchise locations nationwide.

In 2017, an investigation by BuzzFeed News found more than 180 people across the United States had filed sexual assault lawsuits, police reports and other sexual misconduct complaints against Massage Envy spas, their employees and the national company. Local outlets were not among those identified in the BuzzFeed report.

At the time, the national company said it was shaken by the news and that it would strengthen screening and reporting procedures.

Contact David Floyd at [email protected] or 423-757-6249.