Owner Of Glendale Laser Hair Removal Business Arrested On Suspicion Of Licking, Molesting Clients

GLENDALE (CBSLA.com) — The owner of a Glendale laser hair removal business was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of molesting several of his clients.

The suspect was identified as 48-year-old Antonio "Ali" Nozar of Glendale, owner of Smooth Skin Laser Clinic at 1016 E. Broadway, according to Sgt. Robert William of the Glendale Police Department.

Police launched an investigation after a 31-year-old woman alleged in August 2015 that her hair removal technician had touched her inappropriately, William said.

Officials say the inappropriate touching also included him licking several women's private areas.

Detectives learned Nozar was the owner and sole employee of the business and that he "was neither a medical physician nor a registered nurse who is licensed to use (a) laser to remove hair - as required by law," the sergeant said.

"Instead, Nozar was using a doctor's name in order to make his business appear legitimate on his website," William alleged. "The doctor, identified as 76-year-old Hooshang Tabibian, was reportedly receiving money from Nozar for his name to be used. However, he never met or consulted with any of the victims that have come forward."

In the course of their investigation, detectives learned another client of the business had made a similar allegation in 2009, but the district attorney's office declined to prosecute that case due to a lack of evidence, William said.

Another alleged victim, a 28-year-old woman, reported on Aug. 12 that Nozar had "licked the victim's private area and made several attempts to kiss (her)," the sergeant said.

Glendale police arrested Nozar at his home on suspicion of sexual battery and operating his business without a proper license.

Tabibian is the subject of an arrest warrant alleging unlawful practice of medicine, William said.

KCAL9's Rachel Kim on Wednesday evening said investigators believe Nozar has more potential victims out there.

As he got out of jail, he ran to a friend's waiting car, shielding his face.

Kim spoke to women in Glendale who were outraged by Nozar's alleged behavior.

"It's disgusting," said one, "It's absolutely disgusting."

"Oh my God," said Rina Minassian, "That's really horrible."

A note on the door said, "Unfortunately office is closed cuz Antonio is sick in emergency."

Aren Hovespian, a registered nurse at Touch of Class Medspa & Laser Center in Glendale,  says anyone seeking laser treatments or any other type service involving personal contact should do their homework.

"Make sure it's a reputable company," Hovespian said, "Ask questions. You can look for certifications. Ask for credentials. They should be posted. They should be listed. They should be accessible to everybody."

Investigators urged any other potential victims with additional information to call them at (818) 548-4991.

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