A growing number of women are coming forward as police lay a fresh wave of rape and sexual assault charges against a massage therapist, significantly expanding an already confronting investigation.
Shayne Harris, 58, was charged on Thursday with a further 11 offences, including eight counts of sexual assault and three counts of rape, allegedly committed at his massage business in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast hinterland, after a public appeal prompted new alleged victims to speak to police.
It brings the total number of alleged victims to eight.
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““Four additional victims have come forward,” Detective Senior Sergeant Robert Lowry said.
“I can say that out of those four victims, a further 11 charges have been laid… comprised of eight counts of sexual assault and three counts of rape.”
The latest charges follow an earlier round of allegations involving four women and seven offences, including rape and sexual assault, which led to Harris being remanded in custody last month.
Police say the newest complainants reported being assaulted on separate occasions between January 2023 and August 2025.
It will be alleged the man was operating a massage therapy business from a Diamond Valley address, where clients attended expecting legitimate treatment but were instead subjected to “abhorrent behaviour” in what should have been a professional setting.
“My understanding from the investigation is that the victims have attended there in good faith and they’ve been exploited whilst they’ve been there,” Lowry said.
All alleged victims are women, ranging in age from their mid-20s to early 70s.
Investigations have identified the man had been operating in the industry for around 15 years, with current allegations spanning between 2022 and 2025.
“So clearly there is quite a gap,” Lowry said.
“We haven’t quite covered the full 15 years.”
Detectives say the investigation remains ongoing and are urging more people to come forward.
“Obviously the allegations are that the offender is operating in a professional space and has been exploiting clients in various ways,” Lowry said.
Police say they are working in what they describe as an “unknown space”, with concerns more victims may yet be identified.
“That’s always a challenge with these types of investigations; that we’re really operating in the unknown space and we do rely on victims to come forward so we can get more scope and more context around the offender’s alleged actions,” Lowry said.
Authorities have not named the business, citing the need to protect victims and encourage further reports.
“At this stage, we’re not releasing any names,” Lowry said.
“We’re very much respecting the privacy of the victims.
“If you’ve been to this business, you felt uncomfortable, please trust your instincts.
“Come forward and speak to the police… we’ll do our very best to maintain your anonymity.”
The investigation was sparked by a single complaint earlier this year, which police say led to the initial charges and has now widened significantly.
“It’s with immense courage and appreciation from the police for these people to come forward,” Lowry said.
“That can’t be overstated.”
The 58-year-old remains in custody and is due to appear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on May 6.
