By Lookout Staff

May 7, 2025 -- Santa Monica police are seeking help identifying any additional victims of a local therapist arrested for sexual assault last month.

Fernando A. Salazar, 28, was arrested by SMPD officers on April 17 for the sexual battery of a female patient that allegedly took place at Select Physical Therapy, 507 Wilshire Boulevard, on February 19.

An "immediate and thorough investigation" determined that the suspect, licensed physical therapist, "was treating the victim for injuries during a scheduled session" when the alleged assault took place, police said.

"Detectives are seeking to identify any additional individuals who may have had similar experiences with the suspect,"said Lt. Lewis Gilmour. the Police Department spokesperson.

Salazar was arrested for one count of sexual battery under California Penal Code 243.4(a), which defines an offender as "any person who touches an intimate part of another person" who is "unlawfully restrained."

The penal code applies "if the touching is against the will of the person touched and is for the purpose of sexual arousal, sexual gratification, or sexual abuse."

The crime is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year, and by a fine not exceeding two thousand dollars ($2,000), according to the code.

Anyone who believes they may have been a victim or has relevant information should contact police, who will handle all reports "with discretion and sensitivity," Gilmour said.

Contact Det. Darnell Crumpler at Darnell.Crumpler@santamonica.gov or (310) 458-8941; Sgt. David Haro at David.Haro@santamonica.gov or at (310) 458-8952, or the Watch Commander desk 24 hours a day at (310) 458-8427.