Police: Massage therapist removes client's underwear; more victims likely - WJLA

[massage]

BETHESDA, Md. (ABC7) —
A woman visiting the Washington, D.C. area claims she was sexually assaulted on a massage table during what was meant to be a tranquil-enjoyable experience.

On March 20, 2017, the woman scheduled an evening appointment at VMG Massage Therapy, which is owned and operated by Victor Mendoza-Gonzalez, 39. According to charging documents filed in Montgomery County Circuit Court, Mendoza-Gonzalez rented a room within FITology, a personal training gym located along the 6800-block of Wisconsin Avenue in downtown Bethesda, directly next to Trader Joe's.

During the massage, Mendoza-Gonzalez allegedly asked the 33-year-old victim to remove her underwear so he could "massage her glutes better." The victim complied with the request.

Moments later, Mendoza-Gonzalez allegedly massaged the victim's inner-upper thighs, groin and crotch, and went so far as to force oral sex upon the woman. The victim would later tell investigators that she "was frozen with shock." The woman also shared that she recalled Mendoza-Gonzalez comment about "how close he was to her private area."

In a state of panic and confusion, the woman returned to her hotel and immediately contacted police about the incident. Mendoza-Gonzalez, however, refused to share his side of the story with investigators.

In late November — some eight months later — Montgomery County Police formally charged Mendoza-Gonzalez with one count of fourth-degree sex offense. However only weeks later, the Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office added supplemental counts of second-degree sex offense and second-degree assault. All told, the masseur faces more than 30 years in prison.

According to FITology CEO and founder Nick Singer, Mendoza-Gonzalez rented the private room for around five years, but was at no point employed by the gym. Singer stated that many of his own personal training clients have raved about Mendoza-Gonzalez's skill at providing custom-tailored massages. But late last week, Mendoza-Gonzalez unexpectedly packed up all of his belongings and vacated the gym. Singer says he has made repeated phone calls and text messages to the masseur but has not heard back. Singer added that he had only come to learn of the allegations of wrongdoing in recent days.

On Thursday, VMG Massage Therapy's website stated the studio is "closed temporarily." Messages left on a phone number listed for the business went unreturned.

On Yelp, VMG Massage Therapy has a robust five-star rating. However, two people, relegated to a somewhat hidden section of the comment-based website, entitled — "reviews... not currently recommended" — gave Mendoza-Gonzalez one-star reviews.

In May 2015, one of those individuals wrote the 39-year-old massage therapist, "was bordering on inappropriate in how he draped the sheets (or lack thereof) and in massaging inappropriately on the upper inner thigh area."

Then in November 2017, the other individual wrote, in part:

"While I was on my back, he told me to fold my legs, pretzel style, and then again started rubbing the area directly next to my underwear (the only piece of clothing I was wearing). Again, he commented on how close he was to my private parts. He then actually began, through my underwear, to rub my genitals, which were partially exposed since he'd moved my underwear before. I told him to stop and he did, covering me with the sheet and abruptly leaving the room. After shakily collecting myself, I left, feeling disgusting and ashamed. As I was leaving, he asked me if I wanted to book another massage -- nope."

Despite the serious allegations of sexual misconduct, the Maryland State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners has not suspended or revoked Mendoza-Gonzalez's license. Instead, his status is currently listed as "active" with a license expiration date of October 31, 2018. The agency's director stated she was unable to comment on the matter, citing department policy.

Mendoza-Gonzalez is (at least) the fourth licensed massage therapist in Montgomery County to be accused of sexually assaulting a female client since December 2016. Two of the masseurs worked for Massage Heights in Rockville, the third worked for Massage Envy in Olney.

Investigators explain they have strong reason to believe additional victims have not come forward. If you feel you were inappropriately touched by Victor Mendoza-Gonzalez, contact the Montgomery County Police Department's Special Victims Investigations Division at 240-773-5400.

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