Andrew Walsh, an acupuncturist in Clermont, Florida, was arrested on July 2, 2024, on sexual battery charges. Walsh, 52, has been accused of inappropriately touching and sexually battering his female patient during her acupuncture treatment at Acupuncture Clermont, located at 221 Frontage Road. Walsh was arrested on July 11, 2024 when he was charged with sexual battery on another female client.
Andrew Walsh has been a licensed acupuncturist in Florida since 2016. According to his bio, Walsh practiced in Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam before migrating to Florida. He worked at various clinics in Clermont, Orlando, and Clearwater. He also worked at sea on several cruise lines.
According to media reports and the arrest affidavit, on July 2, a female patient reported to the Clermont Police Department that she had just been sexually assaulted by her acupuncturist during her last session. She explained to the police officer that she had seen Andrew Walsh several times in six months due to a herniated disc in her back. On this day, the female patient claims that Walsh began massaging her head and neck while she was lying on her back on the treatment table. To her shock, Walsh then allegedly began rubbing her breasts and nipples under her shirt, which he had never done before nor discussed with her. The patient also noted that she could feel his erect penis rubbing up against her head as he was standing over her.
Walsh then moved one hand under her shorts and began touching and rubbing her clitoris while keeping one hand on her breast. She stated that Walsh then digitally penetrated her three times in a row (ungloved) and touched her genitals again. She recalled that while touching her, Walsh stated that he wished he could do more but had to go see other clients. Walsh turned the patient over and put the treatment needles in her back before leaving the room briefly. The victim remembers wanting to rush out of there but had needles in her back and was afraid Walsh would get violent.
Upon his return to the room, Walsh removed the needles and began touching the patient all over her body. She told Walsh she had to use the bathroom, and she headed directly over to reception to report the abuse. The patient left and went to a nearby gas station, where she saw police cars and spoke to a police officer directly. He then escorted her to the Clermont Police Department for a complete statement.
The alleged victim agreed to get a sexual assault exam at Haven of Lake Sumpter County, and she provided her clothes as evidence. She returned to the police station to participate in a controlled call to Andrew Walsh from her cell phone. On the call, she told Walsh she was thinking a lot about their session and wanted to get a better understanding of what happened. Walsh apologized for making her feel uncomfortable and continued to say that he was responding to her about her chest and that she had requested to do more. He again stated that it was not intentionally meant to make her feel uncomfortable. The victim then advised him that she was referring to him touching her breasts and private genitals. Walsh stated he didn't mean to touch anywhere inappropriate and that he would normally do it over her underwear, but that the patient wasn't wearing any.
The police obtained a DNA search warrant for Andrew Walsh's swabs, fingernails, nail clippings, clothing, and photographs, as well as a business search warrant for the clinic. Walsh voluntarily returned to Clermont from his Orlando residence and was immediately arrested and transported to Lake County Jail.
UPDATE: Andrew Walsh has now been charged with sexual battery in two cases. His second arrest in Lake County was on July 11, 2024. According to public records, the offense date of the second charge was December 1, 2022. Walsh has pleaded not guilty to both sexual battery charges. On August 30, 2024, Florida's Surgeon General issued an Emergency Order suspending Walsh's acupuncture license pending a final hearing. The Order says that Walsh's continued practice of acupuncture "constitutes an immediate serious danger to the health, safety and welfare of the people in the State of Florida."
Finding the right medical provider can be challenging. We seek out seasoned professionals who possess a good bedside manner, compassion, and empathy. When patients finally decide on one, they hope to feel better over time and not be violated by the very person with whom we place our trust. Health care providers 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.