Massage therapist arrested for alleged strangulation and sexual assault - WSOC Charlotte

[Hunter Sáenz]

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — A massage therapist is accused of strangling and sexually assaulting a client.

The alleged assault happened on Dec. 27, 2024, at the Zen Massage at Rosedale Village on Gilead Road in Huntersville.

Aaron Leos, 28, is facing two felonies after a woman told Huntersville police that he sexually assaulted her at the massage parlor.

Danielle Lefler works nearby.

“That’s shocking and kind of terrifying,” she said.

She’s never gotten a massage there but is disturbed about the allegations.

According to warrants, police said on Dec 27, 2014, Leos strangled the victim by placing his hand over her throat.

Then, acting as a massage therapist, he “forcefully removed the clothing of the victim,” and sexually assaulted her.

A police report said the victim was a 26-year-old female.

According to what appears to be Leos’ Facebook page, he studied massage therapy at the Southeastern Institute in Florida.

Zen Massage said in a statement that Leos was a contractor and they “have a zero-tolerance policy concerning any potential issues involving our contractors,” and he “was immediately terminated.”

The owner told Channel 9 they immediately reported the incident to the state board that licenses massage therapists.

Channel 9 reached out to the board on Wednesday asking where his license stands but we have not heard back.

Police arrested Leos Wednesday morning. Leos is out of jail later that day on a $25,000 bond.

Full statement from Keith Larson, owner of STRI LLC Zen Massage of Huntersville and Cornelius:

“Zen Massage Centers of Huntersville and Cornelius, and Zen Massage Franchising, take our clients’ well-being very seriously. All of our therapists are independent contractors, with current licensing by the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy (NC BMBT).

“We have a zero-tolerance policy concerning any potential issues involving our contractors or staff, and clients.

“We are also members of the National Association of Spa Franchises (NASF) and utilize their Employment Verification System (EVS).

“We are cooperating fully with law enforcement and regulatory authorities.

“The contract of the individual in question was immediately terminated.

“The individual and incident were reported by us to the NC BMBT and to the NASF employment verification system.”

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