A licensed massage therapist from Skippack Township has been sentenced to jail time after being convicted of indecent contact with a female client at a spa in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Dominique “Dom” Kossally, aged 34, received a sentence of 11.5 to 23 months in county jail, along with five years of probation, following a trial where a jury deliberated for seven hours before reaching its verdict.
On September 14, 2023, Kossally was accused of committing indecent assault while working at Spavia Spa located on Main Street in King of Prussia. The incident led to his conviction on charges of aggravated indecent assault and indecent assault. During sentencing, Judge Thomas M. DelRicci emphasized that while Kossally had supporters who attested to his character, the jury’s decision reflected the substantial evidence against him.
Kossally maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, expressing his belief that the accusations would ruin his life. “I didn’t do this. I don’t have any criminal record. I was a massage therapist for 10 years. I never had a complaint,” he told the court. His statements were echoed by over 60 supporters who wrote letters on his behalf, and more than a dozen friends and family members attended the sentencing, including his wife, whom he married two days after his conviction.
Kossally’s father spoke passionately about his son, who he claimed had turned down a plea deal and instead opted for a trial to prove his innocence. “He’s a good person. He doesn’t deserve to be in this situation,” he said, struggling to hold back tears. Despite these appeals, Judge DelRicci noted that good character does not excuse wrongful conduct.
The prosecution, represented by Senior Deputy Attorney General Thomas Ost-Prisco, argued for a harsher sentence of three to ten years in prison, stressing that Kossally had abused the trust that clients place in their therapists. Ost-Prisco stated, “The defendant took advantage of the victim in this case. He broke that trust.” The victim, who did not attend the sentencing, provided a victim impact statement that conveyed the emotional toll the incident took on her.
Kossally’s defense lawyer, Scott McIntosh, advocated for a lighter sentence, highlighting Kossally’s lack of prior criminal history and his previously unblemished record as a therapist. McIntosh indicated that Kossally intends to appeal the conviction and seek a new trial, asserting that the verdict was unexpected and devastating for his client.
In addition to his jail sentence, Kossally will be required to register as a sex offender under Pennsylvania’s Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act, which mandates lifetime registration for those convicted of sexual offenses. Judge DelRicci denied requests for work release and for Kossally to remain free on bail during the appeal process.
The incident that led to Kossally’s conviction was reported to the Pennsylvania Department of State shortly after it occurred. The criminal complaint details that the victim accused Kossally of inappropriately touching her during a massage session. Following the allegation, Kossally was terminated from his position at Spavia Spa.
This case highlights the critical issue of trust in therapeutic settings and the serious consequences that can arise when that trust is violated.
