BEND, Ore. — A masseur accused of sexually abusing three women at a northeast Bend spa in 2023 pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to additional charges filed late last year. The expanded charges, which include multiple counts of third-degree sexual abuse and practicing massage without a license, all Class A misdemeanors, have led to a delay in the trial, which is now set for May.

JianMing Tang, 47, appeared remotely in Deschutes County Circuit Court before Judge Raymond Crutchley for the plea hearing. A Mandarin interpreter was present to assist with communication. Defense attorney Jason Wheeless entered the pleas on Tang’s behalf.

Tang, who was working at the May Spa on NE Bellevue Drive at the time of the alleged incidents, faces accusations from three female customers. The first alleged victim’s complaint in July 2023 prompted an undercover investigation that led to Tang’s arrest. Two additional women came forward with similar accusations of unwanted sexual contact that allegedly occurred in late September 2023, just days after Tang was released on bail with conditions that included no contact with the first victim.

As a result of the new charges, the January trial was canceled. A three-day, six-person jury trial is now scheduled for May 7, with a trial readiness hearing set for April 29. A March 28 deadline has been established for motions to be filed in the case.

In a motion to delay the trial, Wheeless argued that the addition of charges so close to the trial date could prejudice Tang’s defense, raising concerns over potential legal and factual issues, including the possibility of an alibi defense. The defense attorney also noted that Tang has a pending immigration application, which may complicate the case further.

Court documents have not indicated Tang’s place of residence, and his legal team has not disclosed further details at this time. The case is expected to proceed to trial in May unless further delays occur.