Dr. Eric Salata was arrested in Naples, Florida, on November 21, 2022, for allegedly sexually abusing two female patients while under sedation. Dr. Eric Salata, age 54, has been charged with two counts of Sexual Battery to a Physically Helpless Person. Naples Police arrested Dr. Salata outside his practice and was placed under a $200,000 bond. He was not required to surrender firearms as a condition of his release.
UPDATE: According to law enforcement, Dr. Eric Salata committed suicide on November 28, 2022. Prior to his death, multiple alleged victims contacted law enforcement to report Dr. Salata's sexual misconduct. Horowitz Law represents a victim of sexual battery by Dr. Eric Salata who intends to file a civil lawsuit regardless of Dr. Salata's suicide. It is disappointing and frustrating that Dr. Salata has escaped justice. Yet, we are relieved that no other women will be assaulted by Dr. Salata again. It took tremendous courage for my client to tell her truth. She was ready to hold him accountable in court.
According to Naples Police, both incidents of sexual battery occurred at the Pura Vida Medical Spa on 5th Avenue South in Naples. Police received complaints by two women, ages 51 and 72, stating they were sexually battered by Salata while receiving cosmetic medical treatments. The reports state that after Salata sedated them with laughing gas, he forcibly had sex with them. Salata co-founded the med spa in 2015. Salata has been a licensed medical doctor in Florida since 2013. The Department of Health also lists a medical license in Maryland and Minnesota. Police fear there may be others, and there is an open investigation.
According to media reports, the first victim told police she was prescribed Xanax to take before arriving at Dr. Eric Salata's office. She was informed the procedure was painful, so she agreed to use nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to assist with the pain alongside the medication. The victim claims that Dr. Salata then offered her tequila to help with her nerves. The victim stated that the alcohol, laughing gas, and sedatives caused her to "blackout" and become unconscious. When the victim came to, she found Dr. Salata performing oral sex on her. Unable to stop him, the woman fell unconscious again, and when she came to, she found Dr. Salata having sexual intercourse with her.
The second victim also stated that Dr. Salata started using laughing gas and increased the amount after he began to massage her. The woman said she was then raped by Dr. Salata, suffering a bruise on her lip from where he had kissed her. Police note that on both occasions, Dr. Salata was the only medical personnel in the procedure room at the time of the incidents. Both victims participated in a Sexual Assault Nurse's Exam to see if any biological fluid could be presented as evidence. Detectives also served a search warrant on the practice to locate any additional evidence.
Although Dr. Salata and registered nurse Jill Salata held themselves out to their patients and staff as husband and wife, they were in fact divorced.
Finding the right medical provider can be challenging. We seek out seasoned professionals who possess a good bedside manner, compassion, and empathy. When we do finally decide on one, we hope to feel better over time, not be violated by the very person with whom we place our trust. Doctors hold a position of power in the physician-patient relationship under Florida law. It is both unacceptable and unlawful for a healthcare professional to touch a patient in any sexual manner or practice any sexual misconduct while treating the patient.
Horowitz Law has filed numerous sexual misconduct claims against medical professionals 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 facility, 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 at adam@adamhorowitzlaw.com for a free consultation.