GILBERT, AZ — State regulators have opened an investigation into an East Valley massage therapist, who was arrested earlier this week and accused of sexual assault and sexual abuse.
The Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy confirmed to ABC15 that the licensing board is investigating Raul Perez Ochoa.
The 45-year-old therapist could come before the licensing board for review as early as June 26.
A booking photo from the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office shows his hairstyle and facial hair have changed drastically over time, changing his appearance.
Police say he worked at Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa in Queen Creek in October when they received two complaints of inappropriate touching. He was fired after the complaints, according to court records.
One of the women told police she has “nightmares” about the incident. But he continued to work as a massage therapist.
Gilbert police got a complaint in February from a client at El Bella Day Spa that they began investigating. They later learned of the previous complaints against him in Queen Creek.
The two police agencies – Gilbert and Queen Creek – launched a joint investigation.
In May, Gilbert PD received another complaint from a client at El Bella Day Spa. Police said this gave them probable cause to arrest him.
El Bella Day Spa declined to comment to ABC15 on the allegations.
Hand & Stone provided the following statement in response to the allegations:
“In October 2022, six months prior to his arrest, the massage therapist’s employment with Hand & Stone Massage & Facial Spa ended. The accused is not permitted to return to the spa. Hand & Stone will continue to cooperate with authorities in their investigation. The Queen Creek Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa is an independently owned and operated franchise location.
Hand & Stone has a zero-tolerance policy related to inappropriate behavior at all locations. Franchisees adhere to a rigorous spa safety program designed to prioritize the safety of its guests and service providers. All franchise locations are trained on strict hiring and screening tools, therapist training and prevention, reporting and investigation policies.
Additionally, all Hand & Stone guests are provided with a Customer Bill of Rights when they enter the spa and are informed by the massage therapist that an attention button exists under the table if they or the therapist becomes uncomfortable. Ultimately, Hand & Stone has an uncompromising commitment to creating and maintaining a safe and respectful environment for its guests and service providers.”
State Massage Board officials said they learned about the recent allegations against Ochoa through the news. Arizona law doesn’t require law enforcement agencies to notify the licensing board when they make arrests.
Licensing records show Ochoa lists a home address in Casa Grande and has been licensed in Arizona since 2005. Court records say he declined to talk to police after his arrest, which took place on May 30 as he arrived for work at El Bella Day Spa in Gilbert.
Ochoa could not be reached for comment by ABC15.
Police are asking anyone who believes they may be a victim of Ochoa to contact their local police department or Gilbert police at 480-503-6500. They can also file a complaint online with the state licensing board. The police and licensing board are separate investigations.
Email ABC15 Investigator Anne Ryman at anne.ryman@abc15.com, call her at 602-685-6345, or connect on Twitter and Facebook.
