Edina Massage Therapist Charged With Felony Criminal Sexual Conduct Following Alleged Assault
Published: October 13th 2026.
EDINA MN: A 43-year-old massage therapist has been charged with felony fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct after allegedly engaging in unwanted sexual contact with a female client during a massage appointment at an Edina spa earlier this year.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Hennepin County District Court, Yu Ding, who reportedly went by the name "Ricky," allegedly engaged in sexual contact with an adult female client on June 20, 2026, while working as a massage therapist at Restart Day Spa in Edina.
Edina police received a report of the alleged assault at approximately 7:53 p.m. that evening.
According to the complaint, the woman had scheduled a massage for approximately 2:30 p.m. and initially requested a female massage therapist. However, when none were available, she agreed to receive the massage from Ding.
The woman told investigators that Ding made comments about her appearance before the massage began. During the appointment, she alleged that Ding engaged in inappropriate and unwanted sexual touching despite repeatedly telling him "no."
Following the appointment, the woman contacted family and a friend to discuss what had occurred. According to court documents, she initially expressed confusion about whether certain conduct was normal during a professional massage before later providing additional details.
During the investigation, police spoke with the spa's owner, who confirmed that Ding had performed the woman's massage on June 20.
The criminal complaint identifies the spa as the location of the alleged incident. The charge is against Ding individually, and the complaint does not accuse the business or its owner of criminal wrongdoing.
Ding is charged with one felony count of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a prohibited occupational relationship under Minnesota Statute 609.345.1(d).
If convicted, Ding faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $20,000, along with applicable conditional release requirements.
According to the criminal complaint, Ding was not in custody at the time the complaint was prepared.
The charge is an allegation, and Ding is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.