State police arrested a Bethel business owner who they claim inappropriately touched women while running a fake medical study.

Police say Brian Casella solicited women for the study, which focused on better understanding food sensitivities.

During sessions, Casella had women lie down so he could listen to their stomachs. Authorities say victims reported that he inappropriately touched them.

Police say Casella allegedly recorded the women and took pictures of them, which were stored on a hard drive. Following the sessions, victims were paid in cash and told their results would be submitted to a company that did not exist.

Casella has been charged with sexual assault. He turned himself into state police on Friday and was released on bond.

Anyone with information is asked to Detective Barbero at (860) 904-0493.