Bonita Springs massage therapist, Robert Maniaci, surrendered his license to practice massage therapy in Florida, which was accepted and adjudged as a discipline on September 3, 2021, by the Board of Massage Therapy. Following a disciplinary action brought by the Florida Department of Health alleging sexual misconduct at MassageLuxe Spa in Bonita Springs, Maniaci agreed to cease practicing immediately and not re-apply for a massage therapist license in Florida. Robert Maniaci, age 63, had been a licensed massage therapist in Florida since 2015. Prior to relocating to Florida, Maniaci was a Chicago firefighter. He also performed massage therapy at Hair Gallery Salon and Day Spa in Cape Coral, FL.
A Final Order of discipline was entered following an allegation of sexual misconduct made against Maniaci when he was working at MassageLuxe Spa, located at 3300 Bonita Beach Rd., Suite 129, Bonita Springs, FL 34134. According to the Order, on January 20, 2021, Maniaci performed a 60-minute massage to a 23-year-old female client. The client claims that during her massage, Maniaci inappropriately called her “babe” and “honey” during her session. She reported that Maniaci lifted her sheet, exposing her legs, and touched her vagina while massaging her inner thigh with his thumb. The client immediately left the room. Maniaci was seen pacing in MassageLuxe spa after the alleged assault. An incident report was filed with Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
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.
Maniaci allegedly violated 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.
Attorney Adam Horowitz has filed numerous sexual misconduct claims against massage therapists on behalf of clients who were inappropriately touched during a massage or spa service. A massage therapist is never permitted to have sexual contact with a client. If you have been a victim of sexual assault or sexual battery during a massage at MassageLuxe or any other spa, or if you know someone who has, please contact our law firm at 888-283-9922 or e-mail sexual abuse lawyer, Adam Horowitz today.