On November 8, 2023, Naples massage therapist Christian Garcia Rodriguez had his license to practice as a massage therapist in Florida revoked following a disciplinary action brought by the Florida Department of Health Board of Massage Therapy. Based upon the Findings of Fact, Garcia Rodriguez failed to reply or contest the allegations. The Board concludes that the respondent has violated Florida Statutes and, therefore, revoked his license. This stern disciplinary action also ordered Rodriguez to pay a fine of $5,000.00 plus investigative costs of $2492 within 90 days. Garcia Rodriguez has been a licensed massage therapist in Florida since March 2020.
A Final Order of Discipline was entered following Garcia Rodriguez's arrest in October 2022 for sexual battery charges after assaulting his female client at Massage Heights in Naples, FL. According to the Emergency Order, on May 5, 2022, Christian Garcia Rodriguez performed a 60-minute massage on a 34-year-old female at Massage Heights in Naples. At the beginning of the massage, Garcia Rodriguez allegedly asked the client to disrobe and lay face down. Mid-through, he asked the client to flip over and lay face up. The client claims that she was covered with a sheet when Garcia Rodriguez reached his hands underneath and massaged her breasts. She then stated that Garcia Rodriguez made his way down to her genitals and digitally penetrated her vagina. The client immediately sat up and told him the massage was over. Suffice it to say, this entire episode showcases a horrifying image of a supposed caregiver turned predator.
Therapy or Torture? License to Heal or Molest
When clients schedule a massage, it is to decompress from the stresses of life or for rehabilitation. They trust that the massage therapists employed at the spa are carefully vetted and safe to engage with the public. It is unacceptable, immoral, and unlawful for any employee to touch a client in a sexual manner. Garcia Rodriguez violated the therapist-patient relationship. A massage therapist may not use his relationship with a client to induce the client to engage in sexual activity outside the scope of practice or the scope of generally accepted examination or treatment of the patient.
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 send an e-mail to sexual abuse lawyer Adam Horowitz for massage clients at [email protected] for a free consultation.