WASHINGTON — Officers in Loudoun County, Virginia have arrested a 20-year-old massage therapist for allegedly committing sex offenses while performing massages on two women at a Virginia massage business.
Officials say that Patrick Erlandsen, of Leesburg, Virginia, allegedly committed two sex offenses that occurred on separate days at The NOW Massage salon on Thorndike Street in Ashburn, Virginia. The first incident occurred on July 2 and the second occurred on July 7, officials say.
According to officials, Erlandsen was arrested and charged on July 7 with two counts of aggravated sexual battery and one count of attempted object sexual penetration.
One of the victims was an 18-year-old girl, according to court documents. The criminal complaint said Erlandsen told the girl that his name was Steven.
What started out as a massage eventually led to inappropriate touching, as described in the court documents. The victim reportedly rolled over and told him she was uncomfortable. Officials said he admitted to his action and claimed he thought the teen would enjoy being touched because his previous clients did.
The massage parlor released a statement on Monday about the incident and expressed its concern over the allegations. saying they were made aware of the allegations from the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office on July 7 and that they immediately wanted to "fully cooperate" with the investigation.
"I am deeply concerned by the recent allegations made against an individual massage therapist employed at The NOW Ashburn, the business wrote in a statement. "The NOW Ashburn is committed to being a safe and inclusive place for all of our guests and takes these allegations very seriously," said The NOW in a statement."
The NOW also says that Erlandsen was been placed on administrative leave pending the results of the investigation, which they add is "in accordance with company protocol." After Erlandsen was arrested, he was officially fired from The NOW. The massage parlor says they will continue to cooperate with the Loudoun County Sheriff's office.
A former one-time client of Erlandsen said she had received a message from the massage boutique last week about making another appointment with Erlandsen. It was a few days later she saw his image being shared by the LCSO.
“It creeped me out because it’s like these people have been violated. I really feel bad for them and I thought to myself if they knew about the first incident why was there a second one to occur. He shouldn’t have been on the books," LaTravia Hubbard said.
According to the Virginia Department of Health Professions, Erlandsen had been a licensed massage therapist for the last two years. The NOW said he started at the Loudoun massage boutique in February 2022.
Officers say that Erlandsen is being held at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center without bond.
Officers believe there could be additional victims from Erlandsen and are asking anyone with information to contact Detective L. Sayre at 703-777-1021.