Steven Noble, legally blind masseuse, charged with unlawful sexual conduct of teen client

Steven Noble.

On his website, masseuse Steven Noble notes that he is legally blind -- something he regards as a blessing.

It's one of many posted statements that make him seem like an unlikely target for criminal charges. But the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office has now formally accused him of unlawful sexual contact on a teenage client.

Another photo of Noble.

On his website, Noble describes himself as the owner and founder of Noble Massage, as well as a "Certified Massage Therapist with training in Lymphatic drainage, Reflexology, Sports Massage, and Neuromuscular Therapy." According to his bio, he was trained at the Colorado School of Healing Arts in Lakewood, receiving his 700-hours certification in September 2010 and an Associates of Occupational Studies degree a year later, signifying his completion of more than 1,000 hours of massage therapy training.

As for his philosophy, he notes that his goal is to "make sure the client is safe and comfortable and leaves my office with a sense of fullfillment in their lives." Then, after stressing the rigorousness of the standards maintained by the State of Colorado when it comes to those in his profession, he shares the qualities and skills that he feels set him apart from his peers:

I am a great listener. When you are with me, you will know that you are truely being listened to. Not only will I listen to what you say, but I will also listen to what your body is telling me. You will feel safe and comfortable on my table when you receive a massage, because I am appreciative with the skills I've learned to help my clients feel better and live healthier lives.

But I feel that my biggest attribute is my visual impairment. I am legally blind. Because of this blessing, I am more in tuned with my sense of touch. So, I can provide my clients with the best quality massage.

These passages contrast sharply with the information provided by Pam Russell, spokeswoman for the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office. Court records she cites assert that a sixteen-year-old girl and her mother both got massages at the Colorado School of Healing Arts, and afterward, the teen told her mom that Noble had inappropriately touched her "intimate" parts, as well as exposing and taking photographs of her upper body.

Noble made his court appearance on January 27, after which the Colorado School of Healing Arts released the following statement:

Colorado School of Healing Arts is an academic institution approved and regulated by the Colorado Department of Higher Education, Division of Private Occupational School Board, since 1988, offering a curriculum leading to certification in Massage Therapy. Apart from the educational offerings of the school, which include a Student Clinic, CSHA provides a Professional Clinic by which State Registered Massage Therapists provide professional massage services to the general public. Mr. Noble is a Colorado State Registered Massage Therapist and had been employed for 3 months in the Professional Clinic, at the time of the alleged incident. He is no longer employed at the Colorado School of Healing Arts.

The Jeffco DA's office had until a February 2 hearing to decide whether or not to put forward charge. Ultimately, notes Russell via e-mail, prosecutors went with two counts of unlawful sexual contact, each a class 4 felony. She also encourages anyone else with information about Noble to contact Lakewood Police Detective Anthony Gherardini at 303-987-7111.

Follow and like the Michael Roberts/Westword Facebook page.

More from our Colorado Crimes archive: "Willie Shepherd, former power-broker attorney, sentenced in domestic case."