Deputies Seek Victims Of Unlicensed Ruskin Masseuse: Sheriff

RUSKIN, FL — A 68-year-old man is accused by deputies of inappropriately touching a woman as he massaged her at his Ruskin home on March 29, a Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office news release said.

The suspect, Jose Garcia, ran a masseuse business at his home for at least 12 years. The victim had contacted him for his services because she had back pain, deputies said.

According to the news release, Garcia faces charges of sexual battery.

Garcia confessed in Spanish to authorities on April 7 that he did touch the woman inappropriately, the news release said.

Spanish is the only language Garcia said he speaks. Garcia told deputies he received masseuse training in Mexico.

Detectives said they could not find a masseuse license registered in Garcia's name.

Garcia told deputies he received masseuse training in Mexico. The suspect ran his business by word of mouth. Garcia's clients spoke only Spanish, deputies said.

This is a man, who took advantage of people who came to him seeking help for their ailments," Sheriff Chad Chronister said. "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.