East Valley massage therapist sentenced after pleading guilty to sexually abusing clients - The Arizona Republic

[Olivia Rose]

A former East Valley massage therapist was sentenced to five years in prison after being accused of sexually abusing multiple women while on the job.

In October 2024, Raul Ochoa, 47, pled guilty to two felony charges and one misdemeanor for sexually assaulting numerous female clients.

As part of a plea agreement, Ochoa was charged with one count of attempt to commit sexual assault, two counts of sexual abuse and one count of assault with sexual motivation.

Police investigations show that between 2022 and 2023, Ochoa is believed to have assaulted at least four women while working at two spas — Hand & Stone Day Spa in Queen Creek and El Bella Day Spa in Gilbert.

Before the plea deal was reached, prosecutors debated hearing testimony from a fifth alleged victim if the case went to trial. The plea agreement allowed Ochoa to avoid a trial and any additional charges brought forth by another allegation.

His five-year prison sentence, announced by the Maricopa County Attorney's Office on Thursday, will be followed by a lifetime of probation. Ochoa's plea deal also requires that he register as a sex offender upon release.

Victims told the courts the traumatizing incidents left them with nightmares and ongoing distress.

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