On Sept 1, 2022, the Florida Department of Health (DOH) filed an Emergency Order restricting Keonte Mcknight's license to practice as a nursing assistant in the state of Florida in response to a report of sexual misconduct during a massage he performed while working at Massage Envy in Sarasota. The Order prohibits Mcknight from practicing nursing on female clients, and this comes two months after his massage therapy license was also restricted. Mcknight became a licensed nursing assistant in Florida in December 2017. Mcknight also became a licensed massage therapist in Florida in February 2022.
According to the Department of Health's Emergency Order, on May 3, 2022, Keonte Mcknight performed a 1-hour massage on a 63-year-old female client at Massage Envy. During the massage, Mcknight rubbed the client's upper thigh and in the crease between her leg and groin. As he got higher up the leg, the sheet became lifted off of the client's vagina, leaving it exposed. As he massaged, he touched her clitoris and inserted one finger inside the client's vagina. The client immediately say up and stated, "that was really personal." Mcknight then moved back and apologized for "invading her personal space."
The client then ended the massage, got dressed, and reported the incident to the receptionist. Massage Envy then reported it to law enforcement. This was not Mckinght's first brush with the law. In 2018, Mcknight was charged with a second-degree felony for possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and possession of marijuana (over 20g), but ultimately the charges were dropped. In 2019, Mcknight was charged for driving with a suspended license, yet again the charges were dropped.
Keonte Mcknight Allegedly Violated the Massage Therapist-Patient Relationship
According to the Order, Mcknight willfully abused his position as a massage therapist to sexually violate his client. The misconduct is a blatant violation, and he poses a danger to the health, safety, or welfare of the patients under his care. We seek out seasoned medical professionals who possess a good bedside manner, compassion, and empathy. We believe the doctors and nurses at the office are carefully vetted, trustworthy and safe. It is unacceptable for any healthcare professional or massage therapist to touch a patient in any sexual manner or practice any sexual misconduct while on the job.
Due to the potential for abuse that is inherent under those circumstances, nursing assistants must possess good judgment and good moral character in order to safely practice massage therapy. Mr. Keonte Mcknight willfully abused his position to sexually violate a woman who trusted him to act professionally and within the boundaries of generally accepted massage therapy and treatment. Mr. Mcknight's violation of the massage therapist-patient relationship indicates that he lacks the good moral character and judgment necessary to safely practice nursing as well.
Horowitz Law has filed numerous sexual misconduct claims against medical professionals and numerous sexual assault lawsuits against massage therapists on behalf of patients who were inappropriately touched in their care. Under no circumstances is a doctor or nurse permitted to have sexual contact with a patient. If you have been a victim of sexual assault or sexual battery at a medical office or massage salon, or if you know someone who has, please contact our law firm at (888) 283-9922 or send an e-mail to sexual abuse lawyer Adam Horowitz for massage clients at adam@adamhorowitzlaw.com for a free consultation.