Thornsberry charged with felony after alleged spa assault

Nathan Adam Thornsberry, 44, of North Branch, is facing a felony charge following an incident at a Rochester Hills spa. The Oakland County Prosecutor's Office filed a third-degree criminal sexual conduct count against him. If convicted, the offense carries a maximum prison sentence of 15 years.

The alleged assault occurred on August 12 during a scheduled massage appointment. Prosecutors stated that Thornsberry touched the woman's intimate areas and penetrated her with his finger. The victim told him to stop, but officials say he continued the touching as he withdrew his hand.

Thornsberry's position as a service provider formed the basis of the charge. Prosecutor Karen McDonald noted that therapeutic treatments are professional services where clients expect proper conduct. "This defendant allegedly abused his position of trust to violate the victim," McDonald said. The office emphasized the right of customers to be treated professionally in such settings.

The prosecution did not release the name of the specific Rochester Hills location where the appointment took place. The charge remains a third-degree criminal sexual conduct case within Oakland County.

The case moved to the courts after the August 12 incident. Thornsberry now stands accused of violating the victim during the professional interaction. The felony charge allows the state to seek the statutory maximum term if the jury finds him guilty.