Police Charge Glen Cove Man in Hicksville Sex Attack

By Joe Dowd

Nassau Police have charged a Glen Cove man in connection with the sexual abuse of a massage therapist in early January at the Red Bell Spa in Hicksville, Nassau Police said.

Folloing an investigation, Police arrested James A. Catanzano, 53, of 26 Jefferson Street, Glen Cove in connection with the attack that began with a request for a massage. 

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Catanzano is charged with first-degree sexual abuse. He is scheduled for arraignment Thursday. 

The incident took place about 7 p.m. Jan. 6 when the man entered the business on Newbridge Road and asked for a massage. The suspect was led to a room where he undressed and was told to lie on a table and cover himself with a blanket, police said.

When the massage therapist entered the room she found him standing, fully exposed and demanded he lay down and cover up. The suspect grabbed the woman's arm, demanding she perform a sex act on him. The woman retreated from the table but the suspect became agitated, rose from the table and cornered her, police said. 

A struggle ensued and the man reportedly touched her in an "inappropriate sexual manner," police said at the time.

The victim managed to get free and flee the room. Police were notified and the attacker fled by unknown means. No physical injuries were reported.