A St. Anthony masseur fondled a female client during a session that ended with him placing a finger to his lips and telling her to "shhhhh," according to felony charges.

Wade R. Wutschke, 58, of New Brighton, was charged last week in Hennepin County District Court with fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Wutschke, who owns and operates Tropical Treat Massage, was released from jail Monday after posting $30,000 bail. Reached at his business Tuesday, he declined to address the allegations.

According to the criminal complaint:

The woman began the session on her stomach, then was directed by Wutschke to turn onto her back. He removed a sheet that was covering her breasts. She pulled it back up, but he lowered it again and fondled her breasts.

Before excusing her, Wutschke raised a finger to his lips and said "shhhhh." She took that to mean to keep quiet, but Wutschke told police that this is how he ends every session.

The woman went to police headquarters that afternoon to report the incident.

Paul Walsh