Tourist says resort’s masseur tried to rape her

Over the past fifteen years we have reported what seems like countless instances of sexual assault … but the case filed today in Belize City Magistrate’s Court is–as far as we know–a first. It involves an attack on a tourist, but not by crazed bandits … or even a drunken tour guide. This attempted rape was allegedly committed by … a masseur. His name is Jose Olivera Chacon and was employed at the Maruba Resort near Maskal on the Old Northern Highway. According to court reports, Olivera was giving a massage to a guest at the hotel, a twenty-six year old woman from Oklahoma. She told police that while undergoing his treatment on Friday night she fell asleep on the massage table. When she awoke it was only to find Olivera on top of her in a “push up” position … with his pants and underwear down at his ankles. She managed to push him off and exit the spa, reporting the matter to management and then the police. Olivera has pled not guilty to Indecent Assault and has been released on bail of four thousand dollars. The case was adjourned until September first.