Westlake massage therapist accused of raping client, found incompetent to stand trial

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - The massage therapist charged with sexually assaulting a client during her appointment at a Westlake spa in October 2023, has been found incompetent to stand trial at this time.

On June 13, Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Judge Ashley Kilbane ordered the evaluation for Kyle Carthens.

He will now remain at North Coast Behavioral Health in Northfield for in-patient treatment.

Carthens is charged with rape, sexual battery, and three counts of gross sexual imposition for the alleged assault on Oct. 14, 2023 at Spa West, in the 29100 block of Center Ridge Rd.

Westlake Police arrested Carthens on Oct. 17, 2023 while he was taking an Uber to work.

Carthens had worked at Spa West for about two weeks and also offered in-house therapist services on the app “Soothe.”

Carthens posted bond after his arrest and showed up for a court hearing on March 13, 2024, but then left before the hearing began.

An arrest warrant was issued for him and he was taken into custody on March 31, 2025.