Fake massage therapist, Carlos Alberto Sosa, sentenced for sexual assault, thousands of photos and video of victims

An Argentinian man with victims “up and down the coast of Queensland” posed as a massage therapist for his own sexual gratification, sexually assaulting one woman and taking thousands of photos and videos of others.

Carlos Alberto Sosa, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault and 28 counts of making observations or recordings in breach of privacy after he took thousands of images of naked women and masturbated onto the back of another as he posed as a massage therapist. Photo: Stock image

An Argentinian man with victims “up and down the coast of Queensland” posed as a massage therapist for his own sexual gratification, sexually assaulting one woman and taking thousands of photos and videos of others.

Carlos Alberto Sosa, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault and 28 counts of making observations or recordings in breach of privacy after he took thousands of images of naked women and masturbated onto the back of another as he posed as a massage therapist.

Detectives from the Mossman Criminal Investigation Branch launched an investigation after the man used a phone to record a woman at a Cape Tribulation accommodation facility on November 13.

In the last month, 28 other women reported similar occurrences to police in the Sunshine Coast and Townsville regions, and New South Wales.

Detective Acting Inspector Cindy Searle said Queensland Police will not tolerate this sort of behaviour.

“These alleged victims have shown incredible courage in coming forward, and we will continue to support them,” Detective Searle said.

Sentencing magistrate James Morton labelled Sosa a “deviant” and “sexual pest”.

“Despite your sorrow and remorse and lack of criminal history, I am satisfied a term of imprisonment is called for and a term of actual imprisonment is justified,” Mr Morton said.

Mr Morton said he was satisfied Sosa’s business as a massage therapist was a “ruse” and he advertised his services for “self sexual gratification”.

“Your victims were unsuspecting and fell into your web of deceit and all your offending was for your self gratification,” he said.

“You had no respect or regard for these women.”

The court heard during the investigation, police found thousands of photos and videos on Sosa’s phone including the victim of the sexual assault, who was initially unaware of the offending, who he photographed with his semen on her buttocks.

In her impact statement the victim described how she felt ashamed for falling into Sosa’s ruse and found it difficult speaking to police because she blamed herself.

She also said it was the worst massage of her life and she now feels a sense of anxiety when men are near her.

Sosa was sentenced to 12 months in prison however will be eligible for parole from the date of sentence.

Mr Morton told him he would likely be deported back to his home country of Argentina on his release from custody.

“Detectives are continuing to investigate, if you have recently stayed in caravan parks, campsites and other budget accommodation and have information about this alleged offending, please come forward,” Detective Searle said.

Originally published as Fake massage therapist, Carlos Alberto Sosa, sentenced for sexual assault, thousands of photos and video of victims