Further sexual assaults alleged

Several more women have stepped forward telling Newport Beach police they were attacked by masseur Steven Wesley Lovell, who was charged last week with sexually assaulting a client.

A 53-year-old Newport Beach woman alleged Lovell had her take off her top and bra during one session and then assaulted her, prosecutors said.

The woman visited Lovell’s business seeking aid for back pain after being referred there by a friend, authorities said.

Lovell is charged in that case with felony sexual battery by fraud, felony sexual battery by restraint and felony possession of a firearm by someone who was previously convicted of battery.

Detectives are also checking the allegations of several other women who claim he attacked them in similar ways, police said.

Some of those women were apprehensive about coming forward, Sgt. Evan Sailor said.

Lovell, who has worked as a certified personal trainer since 2005, posted bond Friday on $100,000 bail, police said.

In 1999, Lovell, who owns the massage business Care of the Body, 215 Riverside Ave., pleaded guilty to three counts of misdemeanor sexual battery.

Lovell is not licensed for massage therapy in the city of Newport Beach, police said.

Authorities ask anyone with information to call (800) 550-NBPD. Messages may be left anonymously.

KELLY STRODL may be reached at (714) 966-4623 or at [email protected].