On May 13, 2021, Wellington massage therapist Roberto Herrera had his license revoked following a disciplinary action brought by the Florida Department of Health Board of Massage Therapy alleging sexual misconduct at Zen Message. Roberto Herrera had been a licensed massage therapist in Florida since 2008.
A Final Order of discipline was entered following an allegation made against Roberto Herrera while he was working at Zen Massage, located at 2465 State Rd 7 #500, Wellington, FL 33414. On July 2, 2020, Herrera performed a 120-minute massage on a 29-year-old female client. During the massage, the client alleges that massage therapist Roberto Herrera positioned her legs so the one was bent to the side, exposing her vaginal area. He then began touching her upper thigh and then on her vaginal area. He began rubbing her vagina and the victim screamed, “OK, no.”
Herrera allegedly said, “I’m sorry, I assumed, never mind.” He apologized to his client stating that he was ashamed, and said that typically when a client books a 2-hour massage, they are looking for that. The alleged victim reported the incident and an Administrative Complaint was filed. Herrera never replied or denied the allegations. The investigative attorney found the allegations credible and therefore concluded that his license be revoked, as well as pay a $2,500 fine.
The disciplinary order continues a long and disturbing trend of sexual misconduct by massage therapists statewide. Under Florida law, massage therapists occupy positions of trust, and all sexual activity between the massage therapist and clients is strictly prohibited.
Herrera was in violation of the massage therapist-patient relationship. A massage therapist may not use his relationship with a client to induce or attempt to induce the patient to engage or to engage or attempt to engage the patient in sexual activity outside the scope of practice or the scope of generally accepted examination or treatment of the patient. Sexual activity by any person or persons in any massage establishment is absolutely prohibited.
Attorney Adam Horowitz has filed numerous sexual misconduct claims against massage therapists on behalf of clients who were inappropriately touched at spas and resorts. A massage therapist is never permitted to have sexual contact with a client. If you have a been a victim of sexual assault or sexual battery during a massage, or if you know someone who has, please contact our law firm at (954) 641-2100 or send an email to sexual abuse lawyer Adam Horowitz at [email protected]