5 Women Accuse Miami Beach Massage Therapist Of Groping

MIAMI BEACH, FL — A massage therapist in Miami Beach has been arrested after five women, including one that was eight months pregnant at the time, told police they were groped while receiving lymph node therapy treatments.

"There exists a possibility that others may have been victimized by the subject," explained Ernesto Rodriguez of the Miami Beach Police Department.

Fifty-year-old Elias Marcelo Ergas was charged with three felony counts of sexual battery, two misdemeanor counts of battery and a felony count of battery on a pregnant female. according to Rodriguez. Ergas works out of a business at 1410 20 Street.

Rodriguez said police first learned of "disturbing allegations, involving a massage therapist operating in Miami Beach" on Wednesday.

Arrest documents in three of the five cases described similar incidents in which Ergas allegedly massaged the groin areas of the women as they laid on their backs "in order to release the toxins" from their lymph nodes. An arrest document for one of the victims was not immediately available.

"Mr. Ergas proceeded to pour oil on his hands as he massaged the area," arrest documents said of one of the cases. One of the women was seated in a modified position because of her pregnancy.

Ergas allegedly penetrated at least two of the five women with his hand, including the pregnant victim. Four incidents took place on May 7, May 9, May 13 and May 14.

Rodriguez declined to say how the investigation began or the age range of the women involved, but said all of the victims are adults.

Speaking in Spanish, Ergas denied the allegations, according to Miami Beach police.

Miami Beach police are encouraging any additional victims to come forward by calling 305.673.7901.