CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) – A Chesapeake massage therapist appeared in court Thursday, facing a sexual assault charge tied to an alleged incident at a local spa.

According to court documents, Ahmed Zejjari is accused of inappropriately touching a woman during a massage session at Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa in the Greenbrier area.

Paperwork shows the woman told police she went in for a birthday massage and that Zejjari, who introduced himself as “Matt,” manipulated the blanket to expose her and made skin-to-skin contact without her consent.

Zejjari’s defense attorney, George Yates, denies the allegation and says the woman’s claims are fabricated.

“These charges are made up,” Yates said. “He’s a 16-year therapist with no problems and a father of two. It’s been devastating for him and his family.”

Yates also said Zejjari goes by “Matt” as a nickname. 

Zejjari’s next court date is scheduled for Sept. 2, where a trial date could be set.

The alleged victim declined to comment when contacted by WAVY in April.