A former Eden Prairie massage therapist previously convicted of criminal sexual conduct has been charged again with a similar offense, accused of inappropriately touching a client during a massage last year.
Dru Alexander Barrow, 27, was charged March 5 in Hennepin County District Court with one felony count of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct in a prohibited occupational relationship.
According to the criminal complaint, a woman contacted Eden Prairie police on Feb. 19 to report that Barrow had sexually touched her during a massage at Tiger Cave Massage on Feb. 10, 2024. She told police she recognized Barrow’s name from a news article and decided to come forward.
The woman said she had booked two appointments with Barrow in January and February 2024 and that he used the name “Andy Avery” to schedule the sessions. During both, she told investigators, Barrow massaged her chest and lifted the sheet in a way that made her feel exposed. In the second session, she said the touching felt more invasive and left her uncomfortable.
She also reported feeling something press against her during both massages and suspected it was inappropriate.
Barrow was convicted March 6 in a separate case involving a different client and a similar incident at the same business. In that case, a jury found him guilty of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct in a prohibited occupational relationship stemming from a March 7, 2024, massage. The client reported that Barrow had lifted the sheet to expose her and touched her inappropriately during the session.
Judge Julie Allyn sentenced Barrow to four days in the Hennepin County Workhouse, three years of supervised probation, and 10 days of community service in lieu of additional jail time. He must also complete a sex offender treatment program, register as a predatory offender, and is prohibited from working in the massage industry. Additional probation conditions include no contact with the woman and staying at least three blocks from where she lives, works or attends school.
Barrow is currently free under court-ordered conditions while awaiting a May 15 omnibus hearing in the new case.
Tiger Cave Massage, where both alleged incidents took place, closed in late 2024. A new business now occupies the space at 12200 Middleset Road, Suite 200. According to state records, it is under different ownership and is not affiliated with the former business.
Another former therapist from Tiger Cave also charged
Barrow is not the only former therapist from Tiger Cave facing criminal charges.
In February, John Vue, 28, of St. Paul, was charged in Hennepin County District Court with fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, accused of inappropriately touching a client during a May 2024 massage at the same business.
Vue also faces felony charges in three other cases involving three other women. In those cases, he is accused of similar misconduct – including one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct involving alleged digital penetration. Court records state all four incidents occurred within two weeks in May 2024.
Vue has pleaded not guilty in the earlier cases and is not in custody. On March 31, prosecutors filed a motion to consolidate all four cases into a single trial, arguing the alleged offenses followed a common pattern and occurred during a continuous course of conduct. The court has not yet ruled on that request.
The next hearing in Vue’s most recent case is scheduled for April 28.
Comments
We offer several ways for our readers to provide feedback. Your comments are welcome on our social media posts (Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn). We also encourage Letters to the Editor; submission guidelines can be found on our Contact Us page. If you believe this story has an error or you would like to get in touch with the author, please connect with us.