UPDATES:
APRIL 22, 2022 -- Upon further investigation, between April 2021 and January 2022, the suspect, Jose Garcia, sexually battered seven females who went to his home for a massage. He will face an additional 10 counts of Sexual Battery and nine counts of Unlicensed Massage Practice. Additional charges of Simple Battery and Unlicensed Massage Practice will also be direct filed with the State Attorney's Office.A total of 14 victims have come forward about Garcia. If there are others who feel they may have been victimized by him, you are urged to call the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at (813) 247-8200.
APRIL 8, 2022 -- Two additional victims have come forward and reported inappropriate contact made by the suspect, Jose Garcia. After further investigation more charges have been added to his case. He is now facing additional charges of Sexual Battery (1 count), Battery (1 count), and Unlicensed Massage Practice (3 counts).
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office continues to ask for any victims of Garcia to report their abuse by calling 813-247-8200. Spanish language operators are available.
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office detectives are looking for more potential victims of a suspect claiming to be a masseuse who sexually battered at least one client.
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ORIGINAL RELEASE:
On March 29, 2022, a woman suffering from back pain contacted Jose Garcia, 68, about receiving a massage. After agreeing to a price for his services as a masseuse, the victim drove to his home in Ruskin, where he operated. He proceeded to sexually batter the victim during the massage. Garcia, who only speaks Spanish, admitted the crime to HCSO detectives. He is facing four counts of sexual battery. More charges could be forthcoming.Detectives did not find evidence that Garcia is a licensed masseuse. Garcia claimed that he received his training in Mexico. It's believed that he has provided massage services for at least 12 years and has run his business through word of mouth out of his home. Most, if not all, of his clients speak only Spanish.
"This is a man, who took advantage of people who came to him seeking help for their ailments," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Our fear now, is that there are more victims out there who may not speak English or know they can come forward to report these crimes. Thanks to our diverse group of talented, caring, and bilingual deputies, we are here to help them seek the justice they deserve."
Detectives are asking anyone who feels they have been victimized by Garcia to please contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at 813-247-8200.