Montgomery County, Texas – Jose Barajas Franco, a former Conroe massage therapist, was sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted of three counts of second-degree felony sexual assault.
Franco, 53, was also found guilty of one count of Class A misdemeanor indecent assault. The accusations stemmed from various allegations of sexual misbehavior at a Massage Envy store in the Greater Houston region.
The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office confirmed Franco’s convictions in connection with attacks reported by four women, including Massage Envy franchise clients and former workers. A series of civil cases and media reporting drew attention to the matter.
In October 2023, Fox 26 reported on a civil complaint filed in Harris County by a Conroe woman named T.G. The lawsuit claims that Franco sexually attacked her on July 3, 2022, during an appointment at a Massage Envy on the 1100 block of FM 3083 in Conroe. According to the lawsuit, Franco hopped onto the table, grabbed her hands, and started having oral sex with the woman. The woman, a regular client, eventually tested positive for HSV-1, an incurable herpes illness, which she blamed on the assault.
Another lady claimed Franco sexually handled her during a session two weeks later at the same location, and that he failed to utilize correct draping techniques, leaving her exposed on the table. The franchise, operated by Mack Miller of FBE Ventures, settled the complaint by paying the two women the maximum insurance policy limit of $1 million.
In December 2023, three more women, including a former employee, filed similar charges against Franco. In their lawsuit, the ladies accused Massage Envy and its franchise owner of covering up many complaints about Franco, alleging that they were wiped from the company’s computer system.
Anna Greenberg, a trial lawyer at Blizzard Greenberg PLLC, blasted the handling of the claims. “What the whistleblowers show is that there was an extensive cover-up to protect the brand and ensure that other unsuspecting women would not become aware of the danger,” Greenberg stated on December 20, 2023. She also speculated that there could be more victims, as sexual assaults frequently go unreported.
During his deposition in the civil action, Massage Envy franchise owner Mack Miller stated that “male therapists face a disproportionate number of lawsuits within the industry.”
Franco’s sentencing hearing for the criminal case took place on August 30 at the 435th District Court, presided over by Judge Patty Maginnis. Fox 26 contacted Massage Envy and its franchise owner for comment on earlier reports but did not receive a response.
“What a rare act of justice finally,” remarked trauma therapist Chau Nguyen. According to Nguyen, the number of acquitted perpetrators is astonishing.
“For every 1000 perpetrators, 975 roam freely among us. Only 25 people may face jail time. It’s great to see justice in action on occasion.”
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