On May 13, 2021, Lake Mary massage therapist Alfredo Barreras had his license revoked following a disciplinary action brought by the Florida Department of Health Board of Massage Therapy alleging sexual misconduct at Hand & Stone Massage & Facial Spa. Alfredo Barreras has been a licensed massage therapist in Florida since 2014.
A Final Order of discipline was entered following an allegation made against Barreras when he was working at Hand & Stone Massage & Facial Spa, located at 1210 International Pkwy S, Lake Mary, FL 32746. Barreras was arrested in Seminole County, Florida, on September 8, 2018, due to unlawful sexual contact with a 38-year-old female client during a 60-minute massage on August 7, 2018. The alleged victim told law enforcement that Barreras put his hand under the victim’s underwear and touched her vagina. He exposed her breasts and placed his mouth on both her nipples.
Barreras allegedly admitted to the sexual contact when interviewed by the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office on September 7, 2018. However, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office gave notice on November 21, 2018, that they do not intend to file criminal charges against Barreras. The Florida Department of Health issued an Emergency Order restricting Barreras’ massage therapy license on November 28, 2018, on account of this complaint.
Barreras never replied and did admit the allegations were credible; subsequently, his license has been revoked, and he has to pay a $2,500 fine.
There are numerous pending civil lawsuits involving sexual misconduct against Hand & Stone franchises in the State of Florida. Under Florida law, massage therapists occupy positions of trust, and all sexual activity between the massage therapist and clients is strictly prohibited.
Barreras violated the massage therapist-patient relationship according to his own admission to law enforcement. A massage therapist may not use his relationship with a client to induce or attempt to induce the patient to engage or to engage or attempt to engage the patient in sexual activity outside the scope of practice or the scope of generally accepted examination or treatment of the patient.
Attorney Adam Horowitz has filed numerous sexual misconduct claims against massage therapists on behalf of clients who were inappropriately touched at Hand & Stone Spa. A massage therapist is never permitted to have sexual contact with a client. If you have been a victim of sexual assault or sexual battery during a massage at Hand & Stone or any other spa, or if you know someone who has, please contact our law firm at (954) 641-2100 or send an email to sexual abuse lawyer Adam Horowitz at [email protected]