Woman alleges improper physical contact in Waco lawsuit against fitness professional, wellness company
WACO, Texas (KWTX) – A woman who claims she was touched improperly during three physical therapy sessions two years ago in Waco has filed a lawsuit against a fitness professional and the company he co-founded.
Carrie Kuehl is seeking more than $1 million in damages from Christopher Bronner, Oso Stretch and Wellness and Solideo Ventures, LLC.
The lawsuit, filed Thursday in Waco’s 74th State District Court, alleges assault and battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligent hiring, retention and supervision against Bronner and the company.
Telephone messages left Friday for Bronner and other company officials were not returned.
Bronner pleaded guilty to misdemeanor indecent assault in October 2024 in connection with the incidents involving Kuehl and was placed on deferred probation for 12 months, according to the lawsuit and court records.
According to the lawsuit, Kuehl went to StretchMed, now Oso Stretch and Wellness, 6600 Sanger Ave., on Aug. 17, 2023, Aug. 22, 2023, and Aug. 29, 2023, for “physical therapy-style services” performed by Bronner.
“During these sessions, Defendant Christopher Bronner engaged in a series of unwelcome and sexually inappropriate physical contacts with Plaintiff,” the lawsuit alleges. “On multiple occasions, Defendant Christopher Bronner pressed what Plaintiff believed to be his erect penis against her arm.
“On Aug. 29, 2023, Defendant Christopher Bronner escalated the assault by intentionally placing his erect penis into Plaintiff’s hand during the course of treatment,” the suit claims.
The suit alleges Bronner sent Kuehl a text messages following the session that said, “Not sure how obvious it is, but I really enjoy stretching you.”
Kuehl canceled her membership and reported the incidents to police, leading to Bronner’s guilty plea.
The lawsuit alleges Bronner’s conduct was “intentional, malicious and grossly negligent” and that the company failed to “adequately screen, monitor or investigate” Bronner, “allowing him to exploit his role in a sexually predatory manner.”
Kuehl’s attorney, Aubrey Robertson, said Kuehl is seeking to hold Bronner accountable for his actions.
“This lawsuit seeks accountability for a series of egregious and unlawful actions that occurred while Ms. Kuehl was receiving professional services she believed would promote her health and well-being,” Robertson said. “Ms. Kuehl has suffered tremendously – emotionally, psychologically and personally – as a result of this violation. This case is about justice, dignity and making sure this never happens to anyone else.”
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