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Breckenridge massage therapist pleads guilty to unlawful sexual conduct

James Dickerson, who formerly worked as a massage therapist in Breckenridge, pleaded guilty to unlawful sexual conduct on Monday, October 5. After an assault was reported in August, Dickerson was given an interim cessation of practice from the state.
Courtesy of Tom Kelly / Fifth Judicial District Attorney’s Office |

A Breckenridge man pleaded guilty to unlawful sexual contact and invasion of privacy after a massage client claimed she was assaulted in 2014. James Dickerson, 31, a licensed massage therapist, would face up to two years in prison for a class-four felony.

Fifth Judicial District Attorney Bruce Brown said that a four-year deferred judgment may be considered as an alternative to prison. In that case, Dickerson would not be sentenced for four years and, during that time, would be monitored under probation terms, including a treatment regiment, no contact with the victim and no commission of further crimes. If the terms of the deferred judgment are violated, Dickerson could face a possible life sentence.

“I think it’s an appropriate and a reasonable disposition,” deputy district attorney Rusty Prindle said. “We always consult victims in these cases and get their input.”



He added that enough evidence had been compiled to take the case to trial.

A female massage client reported the incident to Breckenridge Police on Aug. 10, 2014, just a day after the assault. Following an investigation by police, Dickerson was arrested and charges were filed. Breckenridge assistant police chief Dennis McLaughlin said that according to a report filed in 2014, DNA evidence was collected that linked the suspect to the crime. In addition, McLaughlin said a similar incident was reported in Castle Rock prior to the current case.



“It is critically important that victims come forward when a crime takes place, both to protect themselves and to prevent assaults on others,” Brown said in a statement.

The case had gone to trial earlier this year but was cleared with a mistrial over a legal technicality. Afterwards, Dickerson opted to enter a guilty plea.

He has been a licensed massage therapist under the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies since 2012, but his license currently forbids him from practicing massage. An interim cessation to practice agreement was entered by DORA on Oct. 14, 2014, forbidding Dickerson from practicing massage for a limited period of time. His license expired in January 2015.

Cory Everett, chief of staff for the Division of Professions and Occupations, said the director of the Office of Massage Therapy Licensure may decide to seek disciplinary action following the plea. That action may include revocation of Dickerson’s license pursuant to the Massage Therapy Practice Act.

The Breckenridge spa where Dickerson had worked declined to comment on the plea. His defense attorney was also not available for comment at the time of this story.

Dickerson will next appear in the Summit County District Court for sentencing on Dec. 14, at 11 a.m.


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