A 47-year-old man has been sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually abusing women while working as a massage therapist in Queen Creek and Gilbert.

Raul Ochoa pleaded guilty to one count of attempt to commit sexual assault, two counts of sexual abuse and one count of assault with sexual motivation, according to a release from the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. Between May 2022 and February 2023, Ochoa assaulted women during massages provided at two different day spas in Gilbert and Queen Creek.

“During the sessions, Ochoa inappropriately touched his clients. Victims in these cases told police and the court that the incidents left them with lasting emotional and psychological scars, including nightmares and ongoing distress,” the release stated.

“This defendant took advantage of these women who had placed their trust in him,” Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said.

“This case highlights the bravery of the survivors who came forward to ensure that justice was served and that this perpetrator could no longer harm others.”

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