On June 5, 2024, Jose Barroso of Orange County got his license to practice as a massage therapist in the state of Florida restricted by the Florida Department of Health. An Order of Emergency Suspension came following disturbing allegations that he sexually assaulted a female client while working at the Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes Hotel spa, located on Jose Barroso has been a licensed massage therapist in Florida since 2004. The emergency restriction prohibits Barroso from performing any massage therapy on female clients.
According to the Emergency Order, the alleged sexual misconduct occurred during a 50-minute massage on November 11, 2023, which Barroso was the assigned therapist. The complaint states that Barroso asked the client if she wanted to extend the massage an additional 30 minutes in which the client agreed. He then continued with the massage by placing his hand under the sheet, rubbing the client’s left leg and upper thigh. Barroso’s allegedly began brushing up against the client’s pubic area, and then penetrated and touched her labia. Barroso then reportedly pulled off the draping completely, leaving the client’s backside fully exposed. The client then grabbed the sheet to cover herself and told Barroso to stop. Barroso told the client the massage would be free, and she got dressed and left.
Clients of massage therapists are placed in isolated, vulnerable settings where they can be subject to abuse by their massage therapists. Due to the potential for abuse that is inherent under these circumstances, massage therapists must possess good judgment and good moral character in order to practice massage therapy safely. Incidents such as this are a reminder that persons who may commit sexual misconduct work in all industries, even professions in which we typically place our blind trust. All allegations of sexual abuse must be thoroughly investigated by law enforcement, and employers must be especially vigilant in supervision and protection at all times. Jose Barroso is accused of abusing his power and lacked good moral judgment to massage his female clients safely.
Horowitz Law has filed numerous sexual assault lawsuits against massage therapists for clients who were inappropriately touched at various massage salons and spas. If you have 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 888-283-9922 or email sexual abuse lawyer Adam Horowitz for a free consultation.