Massage Envy employee alleged to have secretly filmed clients. Victim files suit - Chattanooga Times Free Press

[Kailee Shores]

A woman is suing Massage Envy at Hamilton Place, the franchise owner and a former employee of the franchise after the employee reportedly used his cell phone to record a female client undressing in a private massage room.

The complaint alleges that Kenneth Spears recorded as many as 80 victims. The plaintiff, Cierra Davenport, was contacted by a detective who told her she was one of the many women Spears recorded.

(READ MORE: Dozens accuse Massage Envy therapists of sexual misconduct)

The suit alleges negligence, stating that Spears violated Davenport's privacy and the business failed to ensure a safe and private environment. Davenport is petitioning for $750,000 in damages.

Spears was first reported to the Chattanooga Police Department in September 2024 for recording a different female client, spawning an investigation.

Spears was immediately fired from Massage Envy as soon as management became aware of his actions, according to an email statement from a Massage Envy representative.

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"The safety and well-being of our members and employees is our absolute priority, and as soon as we became aware of the inappropriate conduct, the employee was immediately terminated, the state board notified and law enforcement alerted," a Massage Envy representative said in an email statement.

Spears' practitioner profile with the Tennessee Board of Massage Licensure shows that his license was revoked after he was first reported and given a $1,000 civil penalty.

The incident when Spears recorded Davenport occurred in May 2024. He was not reported to law enforcement until after another client found Spears' phone propped up in a corner while she was undressing and discovered the recording, according to the suit.

(READ MORE: Former Massage Envy employee in Chattanooga accused of secretly filming clients)

The suit states that because Spears' misconduct occurred over a substantial period of time, the Massage Envy franchise owner, Brooke Goodyear, should have known that the conduct was occurring and neglected to stop it until after the incident was reported to authorities.

No police reports from the investigation are available because the investigation is still open, Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Victor Miller said in an email.

Contact Kailee Shores at kshores@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6659.