CRYSTAL FALLS – The case of an Iron River man accused of committing criminal sexual conduct in his role as a massage therapist was scheduled Monday for an April 2016 trial.

Joseph E. Rankin Jr., 24, faces one felony count of criminal sexual conduct-assault with intent to commit sexual penetration and one felony count of criminal sexual conduct-third degree-using force or coercion.

The first count carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, and the second a maximum of 15 years.

Rankin appeared in court for a pre-trial conference. His attorney, Jana Mathieu of Pence & Numinen of Marquette, appeared via telephone.

A jury trial in the matter is scheduled to begin April 26, 2016, with a supplemental pre-trial conference on April 4.

Rankin is accused of using force to engage in sexual contact with a 37-year-old woman while giving her a massage, on multiple occasions.

The woman was the only witness called to testify at a preliminary examination in September, and she answered questions from Iron County Prosecuting Attorney Melissa Powell and defense attorney Karl Numinen.

According to her testimony, the woman received massages and the use of a sauna as compensation for work she performed at Rankin’s training and massage therapy business.

The woman testified that she had a close personal relationship with Rankin’s family and considered him a friend, and that she received massages from him for several months without incident.

She stated that the sexual contact began in November 2014.

Under cross-examination by Numinen, the woman testified that she and Rankin had “an emotional affair” and that she had kept texts and other messages hidden from her husband.

The woman said she continued to work for Rankin and receive massages because she “felt trapped,” citing her friendship with his family as a significant factor.