SARASOTA, FL – Sarasota massage therapist Juan Carlos Fleitas-Tamayo, arrested in February 2025 on a felony sexual battery charge, is scheduled to stand trial in December 2026 as additional allegations of sexual misconduct involving female massage patients have emerged.
According to an October 2026 investigation by Tampa Bay 28, four women are identified in a Florida Department of Health administrative complaint involving Fleitas-Tamayo, with allegations dating back to 2020. The investigation also revealed that a civil lawsuit has been filed against a chiropractic practice where Fleitas-Tamayo allegedly sexually assaulted a patient.
The Florida Department of Health is pursuing disciplinary action that could result in the revocation of Fleitas-Tamayo's massage therapy license.
Fleitas-Tamayo has pleaded not guilty to the criminal charge and maintains his innocence.
Juan Carlos Fleitas-Tamayo Arrested for Alleged Sexual Battery During Massage
On February 21, 2025, Sarasota Police arrested Fleitas-Tamayo, a Bradenton resident and Florida-licensed massage therapist, following allegations that he sexually assaulted a female patient during a massage appointment.
The criminal charge arises from an October 2024 incident at Dr. Moscow and Associates Chiropractic Clinic in Sarasota, where the woman was receiving treatment following a motor vehicle accident.
According to police interviews described by Tampa Bay 28, the patient alleged that Fleitas-Tamayo touched her breasts, pressed his body against her, kissed her without consent, and exposed himself during the massage.
The woman reportedly canceled her future appointments. She later contacted police after learning that other patients had made complaints concerning the massage therapist.
Police arrested Fleitas-Tamayo at his private massage business, NORFRA Health & Beauty.
Four Women Identified in Florida Department of Health Sexual Misconduct Complaint
The allegations against Fleitas-Tamayo extend beyond the incident underlying his criminal charge.
According to Tampa Bay 28, a Florida Department of Health administrative complaint identifies four women who reported alleged misconduct by Fleitas-Tamayo, including incidents dating back to 2020.
One woman interviewed by the news station described receiving massage therapy at the chiropractic clinic after an automobile accident. She alleged that Fleitas-Tamayo gradually crossed professional boundaries during multiple appointments.
The woman reported inappropriate touching involving her breasts and buttocks. She also described awakening during a massage to circumstances that caused her to suspect additional sexual misconduct.
These allegations raise serious concerns about patient safety and the responsibilities of healthcare and massage establishments to investigate complaints involving their employees or contractors.
Massage Therapist Allegedly Fired From Previous Chiropractic Practice
One of the most significant developments concerns Fleitas-Tamayo's prior employment history.
According to Tampa Bay 28, his arrest affidavit states that he was previously terminated from Carle Chiropractic after staff discovered allegations of inappropriate touching involving a female coworker and a patient.
The reported prior termination raises important questions about whether subsequent employers investigated Fleitas-Tamayo's employment history, contacted references, or learned of previous complaints before allowing him to provide massage therapy to patients.
In Florida, businesses that employ massage therapists may face civil liability for negligent hiring, supervision, or retention when the evidence establishes that they knew or reasonably should have known of an employee's dangerous or inappropriate conduct and failed to take reasonable precautions.
Whether any particular chiropractic practice or massage business bears responsibility depends on the facts, including what information was available to the business and when.
Civil Lawsuit Filed Against Sarasota Chiropractic Clinic
The allegations have also resulted in civil litigation.
Tampa Bay 28 reports that a civil lawsuit names the chiropractic practice associated with the alleged October 2024 assault as a defendant. The lawsuit was reportedly ongoing as of October 2026.
Civil lawsuits arising from sexual assault during massage therapy may involve claims against the individual massage therapist and, depending on the circumstances, the business or healthcare practice responsible for employing, supervising, or retaining that therapist.
Potential legal claims may include:
- Negligent hiring of a massage therapist with a history of inappropriate conduct.
- Negligent retention after an employer learns or should learn of warning signs.
- Negligent supervision and failure to respond appropriately to patient complaints.
- Other claims arising from sexual battery or misconduct during professional massage services.
A criminal conviction is not required before a sexual assault survivor can pursue a civil lawsuit. Civil and criminal proceedings involve different legal standards.
Florida Department of Health Seeks Discipline Against Fleitas-Tamayo
The Florida Department of Health has initiated administrative proceedings involving Fleitas-Tamayo's massage therapy license.
According to the October 2026 news investigation, his license remained valid despite the pending criminal charge and multiple allegations described in the administrative complaint.
The state is pursuing disciplinary action that could result in permanent license revocation.
Individuals who believe a Florida massage therapist engaged in sexual misconduct can report the incident to law enforcement and file a complaint with the Florida Department of Health.
Where Did Juan Carlos Fleitas-Tamayo Work?
Public reporting has connected Fleitas-Tamayo to several massage therapy and chiropractic businesses in Florida, including:
- Dr. Moscow and Associates Chiropractic Clinic, Sarasota: The reported location of the October 2024 incident underlying the criminal sexual battery charge.
- Carle Chiropractic: A former employer where, according to the arrest affidavit as reported by Tampa Bay 28, he was terminated following allegations involving a coworker and patient.
- NORFRA Health & Beauty: A private massage business associated with Fleitas-Tamayo, where police arrested him in February 2025.
News reports also indicate that Fleitas-Tamayo previously operated a massage business in Miami Beach and worked at various facilities in the Sarasota and Miami areas.
Employment at these locations does not, by itself, establish wrongdoing by the businesses.
Can Victims of Sexual Assault by a Massage Therapist File a Lawsuit?
Yes. Florida law permits sexual assault survivors to pursue civil claims against individuals responsible for the abuse and, in appropriate circumstances, against businesses whose negligence contributed to the harm.
A massage therapy patient may have a potential civil claim even if the therapist was never arrested, criminal charges were not filed, or the patient did not immediately report the misconduct.
Sexual misconduct during a massage can include nonconsensual touching of intimate body areas, unwanted sexual contact, exposure, or other acts that exceed the boundaries of legitimate massage therapy.
Survivors may be entitled to seek compensation for emotional distress, psychological injuries, therapy expenses, and other legally recoverable damages.
Each case requires an individual evaluation of the facts, applicable law, potential defendants, and filing deadlines.
Sarasota Police Encourage Additional Victims to Come Forward
Sarasota Police have encouraged anyone with information about Fleitas-Tamayo or who believes they experienced inappropriate sexual contact during a massage to contact investigators.
Detective Angela Cox, Sarasota Police Department: (941) 263-6075
Individuals may also report suspected professional misconduct through the Florida Department of Health.
Horowitz Law Represents Victims of Massage Therapist Sexual Assault
Horowitz Law is a Florida law firm representing survivors of sexual abuse and sexual assault, including individuals assaulted by massage therapists at spas, resorts, massage franchises, chiropractic offices, and other healthcare facilities.
Attorney Adam Horowitz and the attorneys at Horowitz Law have pursued civil lawsuits involving sexual misconduct by massage therapists and negligent hiring, supervision, and retention by businesses.
Individuals who believe they were sexually assaulted by Juan Carlos Fleitas-Tamayo or another Florida massage therapist may contact Horowitz Law for a free, confidential consultation.
Call Horowitz Law at 888-283-9922.
The firm represents sexual assault survivors throughout Florida, including Sarasota, Bradenton, Tampa, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and surrounding communities.
The allegations against Juan Carlos Fleitas-Tamayo remain allegations unless established through the applicable legal proceedings. He has pleaded not guilty and denies wrongdoing.
Sources: Sarasota Police Department reporting, FOX 13 Tampa Bay (February 21, 2025), and Tampa Bay 28 investigative report by Adam Walser (October 22, 2026).