DC massage therapist charged with sexually abusing female client

WASHINGTON — A massage therapist at a spa that opened in D.C. last month has been arrested and charged with first degree sexual abuse.

Habtamu Gebreslassie, a 24-year-old man from Silver Spring, Maryland, was arrested Sunday at Massage Envy on Wisconsin Avenue in Tenleytown.

A female client told police that while he was giving her a massage, he tried to perform a sex act on her.

Police in D.C. think there may be more victims and are asking any possible victims to contact police.

In a statement to WTOP, Massage Envy LLC confirmed that Gebreslassie no longer works at the D.C. spa.

“Massage Envy requires franchisees to complete extensive background screens and reference checks and strictly enforce our Code of Conduct and Zero Tolerance Policy to ensure guests have a safe and professional experience when they visit a franchised location,” the statement said.

Michelle Basch

Michelle Basch is a reporter turned morning anchor at WTOP News.

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