DURHAM — The University of New Hampshire Police Department arrested David Blair, 54, of Strafford, on a misdemeanor charge of sexual assault after a female student reported he fondled her during a massage Saturday. Blair was working as a massage therapist at UNH Health Services at the time; he is no longer employed by the university and has been banned from the campus.

Blair was arrested the evening of Feb. 27. He was released on $2,500 personal recognizance bail and is scheduled to appear in Dover Circuit Court March 22, 2012. A background check was conducted when Blair was hired in October 2010 and no discrepancies were found.

“Health Services' staff was devastated to learn of the allegation,” said Kevin Charles, executive director of UNH Health Services. “The health and safety of all of our clients is the absolute number one priority and we continue to work closely with police to include a review of all policies and procedures.”

Staff members are working to notify all of Blair's clients of the arrest and have notified the state Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Licensing and Certification.