The Austin Police Department is encouraging anyone who was sexually assaulted at a spa business in the Domain to come forward.
According to a Monday press release, this call comes after the Feb. 7 arrest of 48-year-old massage therapist Edwin Vargas-Garzon on sexual assault charges.
Vargas-Garzon was arrested after a November report from a victim who said they were sexually assaulted at a spa business located at 11011 Domain Drive.
“The victim came forward a few days after the incident, identifying the suspect as Edwin Vargas-Garzon, a massage therapist employed at the establishment,” the press release states.
It further states that detectives discovered potential additional incidents involving the suspect at multiple massage therapy establishments across the Austin area and surrounding communities.
That’s why APD is urging anyone who may have been victimized by Vargas-Garzon to come forward and contact the APD Sexual Crimes Unit at 512-974-5095 or via email at sex.crimes@austintexas.gov.
Speaking with the police is voluntary, and services through the Victim Services Unit are available regardless of a victim’s decision to participate an investigation. Contact Victim Services at 512-974-5037 for more information.
Last year, a woman sued an Austin location of Massage Therapy after an alleged sexual assault. In January, Pflugerville Police arrested a massage therapist on charges related to an October sexual assault.
In both cases, the victims alleged that the suspects touched them inappropriately during the massage.
If something like this happened to you or someone you know, it’s important to first leave the situation immediately and, once you’re safe, write down exactly what happened. Then, consider if you want to report it and if so whether that will be to the business management or police.