More women claim touch therapist assaulted them

Two more women have come forward with allegations against a Carson City man accused of sexually assaulting "touch therapy" clients, officials said Wednesday.

A March 24 hearing will determine whether there is enough evidence to try Edmund Jakopchek, 49, on at least two felony counts of sexual assault and one felony count of attempted sexual assault.

He was arrested March 5 after two women reported that Jakopchek, who purports to perform energy massages on the stomach, had sexually assaulted them. One woman said the event happened at her home. The other woman reported Jakopchek assaulted her in an office behind Comma Coffee that the shop owner would rent out for massages, according to police reports.

Sheriff's Detective Dena Lacy said that since Jakopchek's arrest, two other woman contacted authorities to report that Jakopchek had attempted to assault them.

Lacy said a 21-year-old woman reported Jakopchek came to her home and repeatedly tried to fondle her.

A 53-year-old woman reported that in January she met with Jakopchek at Comma Coffee, then the two went into a side office on Fourth Street. During the session, Jakopchek allegedly tried to touch her genitals. When she stopped him, he ran into the bathroom where he stayed for half an hour, said Lacy.

Comma Coffee Owner June Joplin said that the thought of Jakopchek using her business and reputation to prey on women was sickening.

"We feel betrayed and violated. I've worked my life here to create a place of warmth and comfort and he abused that to hurt other people," she said. "I spent two years getting healthy from abuse and I am an advocate for women. The irony of the situation is ridiculously painful as well. It would appear like I endorsed him, but that's not the case."

Joplin said she will no longer rent out the side office space.

Assistant Carson City District Attorney Gerald Gardner said once he receives the additional information on newest alleged victims, he will file an amended criminal complaint.

Jakopchek remains in the Carson City Jail on $50,000 bail. His attorney Day Williams declined comment.

Lacy said if anyone had similar dealings with Jakopchek they should call her office at 887-2020 ext. 41405.