Burglar Sexually Assaulted Woman At Ashburn Apartment: Police

ASHBURN, VA — A D.C. man broke into a sleeping woman's Ashburn apartment on Saturday, sexually assaulted her, and stole her purse, the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office claimed in a report.

The woman received medical treatment on the scene for her injuries.

Authorities identified the man as 44-year-old Morris Gaston. He was arrested on Saturday and charged with sexual battery, assault, burglary, and public intoxication.

Gaston is being held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center.

If convicted of all charges, Gaston could face up to 22 years in prison, based on Virginia's sentencing guidelines.

The burglary occurred around 2:15 a.m. on Saturday at the 43700 Central Station Drive, the sheriff's office said. A victim told deputies that a man she didn't know came into her apartment while she was sleeping.

The man sexually assaulted her, took her purse, and ran out of the apartment, the police report said.

Deputies found Gaston nearby and took him into custody.

Anyone with more information about the burglary and sexual assault can contact Detective L. Sayre at 703-777-1021 or [email protected].

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center can provide information about reporting and coping with sexual abuse. Their website also features training materials and tips to prevent sexual abuse. The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network operates a 24/7 hotline for victims of sexual assault. The hotline can be reached at 1-800-656-4673.