The Issue The issues to be determined are whether Respondent engaged in sexual misconduct in the practice of massage therapy in violation of section 480.0485, Florida Statutes, or in the practice of a health profession, in violation of section 456.072(1)(v), Florida Statutes; and, if so, what is the appropriate sanction.
Findings Of Fact The Department, Board of Massage Therapy (Board), is the state agency charged with regulating the practice of massage therapy in the State of Florida, pursuant to section 20.43 and chapters 456 and 480, Florida Statutes. At all times material to the complaint, Ms. Wang was a licensed massage therapist within the State of Florida, having been issued license number MA 80935 on or about December 31, 2015. Ms. Wang's address of record is 9844 Sandalfoot Boulevard, Boca Raton, Florida 33428. Ms. Wang began working as a massage therapist at Wellness Spring Center (Wellness) 7865 West Sample Road in Coral Springs, Florida, on May 2, 2016. On or about May 26, 2016, the Coral Springs Police Department (CSPD) conducted a prostitution investigation at Wellness. Detective Gariepy, a detective in the vice, intelligence, and narcotics unit of the CSPD, working undercover, requested a one-hour full body massage and was advised it would cost $60.00. Detective Gariepy paid the $60.00 in official investigative funds, and he was escorted to a private room. Detective Gariepy got undressed and lay face down on a massage table. Ms. Wang provided Detective Gariepy with a massage. Ms. Wang began working on Detective Gariepy's back side, and later asked him to flip over onto his back, which he did. She then massaged the front side of his body. She put her hand on his testicles and then on his penis, and began stroking it in a sexual manner. After only a few seconds, Detective Gariepy stopped her, saying he was a married man. Detective Gariepy testified on cross-examination that Ms. Wang never asked him for any money when she was touching him. Detective Gariepy got dressed and left the massage establishment. CSPD officers entered the massage establishment and made contact with Ms. Wang, who was then positively identified by Detective Gariepy as the therapist who massaged him. It was stipulated by the parties prior to hearing that Ms. Wang provided Detective Gariepy with a massage. Ms. Wang's contrary testimony at hearing, to the effect that the person to whom she gave a massage that day was not Detective Gariepy was not credible and is rejected. Her testimony that she did not inappropriately touch Detective Gariepy's testicles and penis, was not credible and is rejected. While Detective Gariepy admitted he was unable to pick out a photograph of Ms. Wang a little over two years later in a deposition, he explained that as he was receiving the massage, he focused on exactly what Ms. Wang was wearing and concentrated on her physical features so that he could positively identify her to the arresting officers. The parties stipulated prior to hearing that Ms. Wang was positively identified by Detective Gariepy as the therapist who had massaged him. His testimony was credible. On May 26, 2016, Ms. Wang used the massage therapist- patient relationship to attempt to engage Detective Gariepy in sexual activity. Ms. Wang engaged in sexual misconduct in the practice of massage therapy. Ms. Wang has never had any prior discipline imposed against her license.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Florida Department of Health, Board of Massage Therapy, enter a final order finding Ms. Yangling Wang in violation of sections 480.0485 and 456.072(1)(v), Florida Statutes, constituting grounds for discipline under section 480.046(1)(p), Florida Statutes; imposing a fine of $2,500.00; revoking her license to practice massage therapy; and imposing costs of investigation and prosecution. DONE AND ENTERED this 24th day of October, 2018, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S F. SCOTT BOYD Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 24th day of October, 2018. COPIES FURNISHED: Gerald C. Henley, Esquire Kimberly L. Marshall, Esquire Department of Health Prosecution Services Unit 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C-65 Tallahassee, Florida 32399 (eServed) Hongwei Shang, Esquire The Law Office of Hongwei Shang, LLC 7350 Southwest 89th Street, Suite 100 Miami, Florida 33156 (eServed) Louise Wilhite-St Laurent, Interim General Counsel Department of Health 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C-65 Tallahassee, Florida 32399 (eServed) Kama Monroe, Executive Director Board of Massage Therapy Department of Health 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C-06 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3257 (eServed)
The Issue The issues in this case are whether Respondent engaged in sexual misconduct in the practice of massage therapy in violation of section 480.0485, Florida Statutes, and if so, what is the appropriate sanction.
Findings Of Fact The Department of Health, Board of Massage Therapy, is the state agency charged with regulating the practice of massage therapy in the state of Florida, pursuant to section 20.43, and chapters 456 and 480, Florida Statutes. At all times material to this proceeding, Mr. John D. Nielsen-Collins was licensed as a massage therapist in Florida, having been issued license number MA 63151. At all times material to this proceeding, Mr. Nielsen- Collins worked as an independent contractor at VCHAC in West Palm Beach, Florida. S.T., an adult female, started receiving massages at VCHAC in 2012. Her physical therapist had recommended massage to help manage some scarring associated with endometriosis and pelvic adhesive disease. S.T. would receive a standard “deep tissue” full body massage about every week or ten days, almost always from Mr. Nielsen-Collins. On September 22, 2014, S.T. went to VCHAC for a massage. She greeted Mr. Nielsen-Collins. He then left the room while she got undressed. She laid face-up on the massage table, covered with draping. Mr. Nielsen-Collins began the massage as usual, massaging her neck, arms, and legs. She then flipped over to a prone position and he massaged her back and upper portions of her buttocks with firm kneading, as he always did. Mr. Nielsen-Collins then began to massage the lower portions of her buttocks. Rather than kneading, it was more of a light rub, which S.T. described as much more “sensual” in nature. Mr. Nielsen-Collins used both hands on either side of S.T.'s buttocks to spread the cheeks and expose her anus. In progressive steps, he moved his hands closer and closer toward S.T.’s anus, finally rubbing it through her thong. This contact was not accidental. S.T. flinched, and Mr. Nielsen-Collins removed his hands from her buttocks. S.T. felt uncomfortable, but she was trying to convince herself that it was just a mishap. She “let it go because when I flinched, he did move away.” The draping was moved to expose S.T.’s right leg, and Mr. Nielsen-Collins began massaging it, beginning at the calf and moving up toward her thigh. She noticed he was gradually pulling her right leg apart from her other leg, further exposing her. He started to rub her inner thigh, and then began to massage S.T.'s vagina through her underwear. S.T. testified that it did not feel like a massage, but like an “attempted arousal.” This contact was not accidental. Mr. Nielsen-Collins then asked her, “How is the pressure?” S.T. reached behind her in an attempt to remove Mr. Nielsen-Collins’s hand. Mr. Nielsen-Collins took S.T.’s hand and held onto it, preventing her from removing his other hand from her vagina. S.T. then tried to move her right shoulder to twist around, and then the hand that was holding her hand pressed down on her back, steadying her in position. S.T. closed her legs tighter, and Mr. Nielsen Collins removed his hand. Mr. Nielsen-Collins let go of S.T.’s shoulder and covered her to the waist. He rubbed her back for a moment. He fanned out the cover and put in on her back. He said that the massage was complete and left the room. S.T. was confused and extremely hurt. She testified that she had trusted Mr. Nielsen-Collins for a year-and-a-half. She was in a vulnerable position and he was supposed to be professional, but he had absolutely violated her trust. She got up, got dressed, left a tip on the counter as she always did, and walked out. She left the building, got in her car, and drove off. When she got to the corner, she determined she had to report the incident, pulled to the side of the road, and called VCHAC on her cell phone. She asked the person who answered to let her speak with the manager. She then told Ms. Samantha Trevegno, the office manager, that she had had an “inappropriate experience” during her appointment, and explained how she had been touched inappropriately by Mr. Nielsen-Collins. S.T. never returned to VCHAC for another massage. Mr. Nielsen-Collins had left VCHAC to go to a local supermarket. When he returned, Ms. Trevegno told him she wanted to talk to him in the pilates studio. She told Mr. Nielsen- Collins that she had received a call from S.T. alleging an inappropriate massage. Mr. Nielsen-Collins did not ask Ms. Trevegno what S.T. had claimed happened, but instead immediately became visibly upset, teared up, and stated, “I thought she was sweet on me, too.” He told Ms. Trevegno that he knew that she needed to end his contract with VCHAC. Ms. Trevegno left and talked to Dr. Horowitz, the chiropractic doctor at VCHAC. When she returned she told Mr. Nielsen-Collins that he should leave. Mr. Nielsen-Collins asked if he should talk to the doctor. Ms. Trevegno said, “No, he wants you to go.” S.T. did not request that Mr. Nielsen-Collins massage the area between S.T.’s buttocks, her anus, or her vagina. Mr. Nielsen-Collins did not request permission to touch the area between S.T.’s buttocks, her anus, or her vagina and she did not give him consent to do so. Consistent with the testimony of Ms. Iris Burman, L.M.T., Mr. Nielsen-Collins’s touching of the area between S.T.’s buttocks, her anus, and her vagina, as described here, was outside the scope of generally accepted examination or treatment of massage therapy patients. Mr. Nielsen-Collins’s contrary contention, to the effect that he only performed standard massage techniques on patient S.T., and that her perception that she had been inappropriately touched must have been based upon transfer of sensation was not credible, and is rejected. Mr. Nielsen-Collins used the massage therapist-patient relationship to engage in sexual activity and to attempt to induce patient S.T. to engage in sexual activity. Mr. Nielsen- Collins engaged in sexual misconduct in the practice of massage therapy. Mr. Nielsen-Collins has never had any prior discipline imposed against his license.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Board of Massage Therapy enter a final order finding John D. Nielsen-Collins violated section 480.0485, constituting grounds for discipline under section 480.046(1)(p), imposing a fine of $2,500.00, revoking his license to practice massage therapy, and imposing costs of investigation and prosecution. DONE AND ENTERED this 22nd day of June, 2015, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S F. SCOTT BOYD Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 22nd day of June, 2015. COPIES FURNISHED: John D. Nielsen-Collins, L.M.T. 321 Fordham Drive Lake Worth, Florida 33460 Lindsay Annette Wells Grogan, Esquire Louise Wilhite-St Laurent, Esquire Department of Health 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C-65 Tallahassee, Florida 32399 (eServed) Jennifer A. Tschetter, General Counsel Department of Health 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin A-02 Tallahassee, Florida 32399 (eServed) Christy Robinson, Executive Director Board of Massage Therapy Department of Health 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C-06 Tallahassee, Florida 32399 (eServed)
The Issue The issues in this case are whether Respondent violated Section 480.0485, Florida Statutes, and Rule 64B7-26.010(1) and (3), Florida Administrative Code, by engaging in sexual misconduct with a massage client, and thereby violated Section 480.046(1(k), Florida Statutes; and, if yes, what penalty should be imposed on his license to practice massage therapy.
Findings Of Fact Petitioner, the Department of Health, Board of Massage Therapy (Department), is the state agency responsible for regulating the practice of massage therapy in the State of Florida pursuant to Chapter 480, Florida Statutes. Respondent, Miodrag Visacki (Respondent), was at all times material hereto, a licensed massage therapist in the State of Florida, having been issued license number MA23741. A. R. is a female who resides in Rhode Island. At the times material to this proceeding, A. R. was 18 years old and was on vacation with members of her family in Florida. During this vacation, A. R. and her family were staying in a condominium unit at the Long Boat Key Resort in Longboat Key, Florida. While on vacation in Longboat Key, Florida, A. R. and her aunt decided to obtain massages. They looked at advertisements for massage therapy in the newspaper, and then called telephone numbers listed in several different advertisements. After calling several of the telephone numbers, A. R. and her aunt decided to order massage services from one of the advertisements. On April 21, 2000, A. R.'s aunt called the number listed in one of the advertisements to set up appointments for April 22, 2000. On April 22, 2000, Respondent went to the condominium unit in which A. R. and her aunt and parents were staying to perform the massages. When Respondent arrived there, he identified himself as Michael. Prior to beginning the massages, Respondent requested that A. R. and her aunt fill out client intake forms that elicited information about the purpose or the reason for the massage, the "areas requiring specific attention," and the "areas preferred not to be worked on." On the client intake form, A. R. indicated that she wanted a relaxation massage. With regard to areas requiring special attention, A. R. noted, "legs, neck, and back." A. R. indicated that the areas she preferred not to be worked on were her face and head. Respondent set his table up in the living room of the condominium unit and began the massage of A. R. When Respondent began the massage, A. R.'s aunt was in the kitchen, which was adjacent to the living room. Soon after Respondent began with the massage of A. R., her aunt left the kitchen and went to a bedroom in the condominium unit. At the beginning of her massage, A. R. was wearing a bra and her underwear, was lying on her back, and was covered by a sheet. Approximately 15 minutes after the massage began and after A. R.'s aunt left the kitchen and went to one of the bedrooms, Respondent pulled down A. R.'s bra and proceeded to massage her breasts and nipples. Respondent then asked A. R. if she enjoyed his massaging her breast and nipples to which she responded "no." After A. R. told Respondent that she did not want him to massage her breasts and nipples, he began massaging her ankles, working his way up her legs, vagina, and stomach. Respondent removed A. R.'s underwear during the massage although he never asked for her permission to do so and she never consented to his doing so. In an attempt to stop Respondent from massaging her vagina, A. R. turned over on her stomach. While A. R. was laying on her stomach, Respondent penetrated A. R.'s vagina and anus with his finger while alternately massaging her back, shoulders, and buttocks. During A. R.'s massage, two sheets were used to cover her. Throughout the massage, A. R. was covered from the waist up by one of the sheets. However, Respondent continually moved or adjusted the sheet that was to cover A. R. from the waist down so that it was "half on, half off." At no time prior to or during the massage did A. R. give her consent to Respondent to remove the sheet draping her body so as to expose her buttocks and genitalia. When Respondent finished the massage of A. R., she spoke to her aunt briefly and indicated that something was wrong, but she did not reveal the full details of what had occurred during the massage. Respondent then proceeded to massage A. R.'s aunt. While her aunt was receiving her massage, A. R. went to the bathroom, washed up, changed, and waited for Respondent to finish her aunt's massage. A. R. was in "total confusion" and after Respondent completed her aunt's massage, A. R. urged her to pay Respondent so he could leave the condominium. After Respondent left the condominium, A. R. divulged to her aunt some, but not all, of the details of what had occurred during the massage. A. R. and her aunt then left the condominium and went to the nearby beach area where A. R.'s parents were and informed them about what had occurred during the massage. A. R.'s mother immediately called the Longboat Key Police Department and police officers were dispatched to the condominium that day. When Officer Heidi Blake Micale arrived at the condominium, A. R. confided in and reported to her the conduct engaged in by Respondent during the massage. As part of its investigation of the April 22, 2000, incident, the Longboat Key Police Department contacted Respondent and scheduled an interview with him. On April 24, 2000, Lieutenant Detective Christina Roberts interviewed Respondent regarding the incident. During the interview, Respondent admitted to massaging A. R.'s breasts, including the nipple area. As justification, in explaining his actions, Respondent indicated that he massaged A. R.'s breasts because they were not listed on the intake form as one of the "areas preferred not to be worked on." As evidence of this, Respondent provided Lieutenant Detective Roberts with a copy of the intake form that A. R. had completed prior to the massage. Prior to her encounter with Respondent, and while in Rhode Island, A. R. had received numerous massages for sports related injuries and she continues to receive such massages. However, A. R. has never encountered sexual conduct by any massage therapist other than Respondent. Respondent's actions with regard to massaging A. R.'s breasts and/or nipples may or were likely to cause erotic arousal. Furthermore, this conduct by Respondent constitutes sexual activity and is outside the scope of the practice of massage. Respondent's actions of penetrating A. R.'s vagina and anus may or were likely to cause erotic arousal. This conduct by Respondent constitutes sexual activity and is outside the scope of the practice of massage.
Recommendation Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Department of Health, Board of Massage Therapy enter a Final Order finding Respondent guilty of violating Subsection 480.046(1)(k), Florida Statutes, Section 480.0485, Florida Statutes, and Rule 64B7-26.010(1) and (3), Florida Administrative Code; imposing a $1000.00 fine against Respondent; and revoking Respondent's license to practice massage therapy. DONE AND ENTERED this 18th day of September, 2001, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. CAROLYN S. HOLIFIELD Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 SUNCOM 278-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 18th day of September, 2001. COPIES FURNISHED: Miodrag Visacki 454 North Jefferson Avenue Sarasota, Florida 34237 Gary L. Asbell, Esquire Lori C. Desnick, Esquire Agency for Health Care Administration 2727 Mahan Drive Ft. Knox Building 3, Mail Station 39 Tallahassee, Florida 32308 William H. Buckhalt, Executive Director Board of Massage Therapy Department of Health 4052 Bald Cypress Way Bin C06 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1701 Theodore M. Henderson, Agency Clerk Department of Health 4052 Bald Cypress Way Bin A02 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1701 William W. Large, General Counsel Department of Health 4052 Bald Cypress Way Bin A02 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1701
The Issue Did Respondent, Cameron Kellogg, L.M.T., attempt to induce patient, L.R.A., to engage in sexual activity as prohibited by section 480.0485, Florida Statutes (2018)?1/
Findings Of Fact Section 20.43 and chapters 456 and 480, Florida Statutes (2019), charge the Florida Department of Health and the Board with licensing and regulating massage therapy. At all times material to the allegations of the Administrative Complaint, Mr. Kellogg was a licensed massage therapist. In August of 2018, Mr. Kellogg was providing massage therapy services for guests of the Opal Sands Resort and Spa (Opal Sands). L.R.A. and her husband G.A. were guests at Opal Sands. August 30, 2018, was their last full day there. L.R.A. scheduled a massage for that day. Before the scheduled time, L.R.A. and G.A. were relaxing at the pool. They had a drink at the pool. There is no credible evidence indicating that either became intoxicated. L.R.A. left the pool to attend her scheduled massage. G.A. stayed at the pool to wait for her. When L.R.A. arrived at the spa, she was directed to a changing area. She removed her clothes and bra, leaving on her underwear, and put on a robe supplied by the spa. Afterwards she met Mr. Kellogg in the waiting room, and he escorted her to the massage room. He left the room. She removed the robe and laid face down on the table covered with a drape. The massage began uneventfully. Midway through the massage L.R.A. turned over at Mr. Kellogg's request. This is typical in massages. During the massage, as is normal, L.R.A. became more and more relaxed, to the point of drowsiness. At the end of the massage period, Mr. Kellogg was standing at L.R.A.'s head massaging her shoulders and clavicle. He slowly moved his hands beneath the drape and began groping and fondling L.R.A.'s breasts. Then he pinched her nipples. L.R.A. was shocked and astonished. Naked and vulnerable, she was speechless and embarrassed. Then Mr. Kellogg asked her if she wanted him to perform oral sex saying, "Do you want me to eat your p---y?" Still speechless and shocked, L.R.A. shook her head no several times vigorously. Mr. Kellogg said "OK" and left the room. The actions described in findings six and seven are not part of an appropriate massage and were not invited or consented to by L.R.A. in any way. Mr. Kellogg violated the massage therapist-patient relationship and used it to attempt to induce L.R.A. in sexual activity. His actions were also sexual activity engaged in through direct contact with L.R.A. Still in shock, L.R.A. dressed, went to the front desk, and signed to charge the massage to her room account, leaving a $5.00 tip. She returned to the pool to meet her husband. She was in emotional distress and trying to decide how to tell her husband of Mr. Kellogg's assault. After meeting and talking a while at the pool, L.R.A. and G.A. went to their room to shower. Afterwards they left the resort and walked to a nearby souvenir and ice cream stand. After leaving the stand, L.R.A. asked her husband to sit down because she had something to tell him. This was only two hours after Mr. Kellogg groped her. During that time L.R.A. was processing her reactions and shock and thinking about how to tell her husband. She recounted the events to G.A., but did not repeat Mr. Kellogg's crass language, at first. She did not tell him about Mr. Kellogg pinching her nipples until a few weeks later. She thought those details would cause too much stress and anger on top of the other events. L.R.A. and G.A. decided that reporting Mr. Kellogg's behavior to the resort management was important and returned to Opal Sands. They told the front desk attendant that they needed to speak to the manager about something that happened in the spa. The attendant asked if they wanted the manager to come to their room. They said yes. The spa manager, Lexandra Gheradini, came to the room of L.R.A. and G.A. They told her about Mr. Kellogg's actions and request to perform oral sex. Ms. Gheradini apologized. But she did not ask them to complete any paperwork to document the assault. The resort only refunded the charge for the massage. L.R.A. reported Mr. Kellogg's actions within a reasonable period of time given her shock and embarrassment. At first she did not contact the police because of her embarrassment. Also, she and G.A. were preparing to leave the next day to return to their home in Pennsylvania. In Pennsylvania, L.R.A. told her friend K.E. about the incident. K.E. encouraged L.R.A. to report the incident to the police. L.R.A. reported it to the Clearwater police. She also reported the incident to the Florida Department of Health. The videotaped depositions provided clear and distinct views of the faces of L.R.A. and G.A. while testifying. Their facial expressions, body language, and reactions to Mr. Kellogg's questions made their testimony compelling and persuasive. Mr. Kellogg denied touching L.R.A.'s breasts. Mr. Kellogg, although he testified in person, was not persuasive. The majority of his testimony was argument about why L.R.A.'s testimony should not be accepted and complaints about how the charges have affected him. His denials were brief and unpersuasive. In addition, Mr. Kellogg testified that "I asked to eat her p---y." He minimizes this as "saying something stupid." Mr. Kellogg argues that L.R.A., G.A., and K.E. should not be believed because, when testifying a year after events, they do not remember some details. The argument is not persuasive. Forgetting some details peripheral to a shocking event a year afterwards is not unusual. The memories of L.R.A., G.A., and K.E. are distinct, clear, and consistent on the important facts. In addition, L.R.A.'s prompt reports of the incident to G.A. and the spa manager enhance her credibility. So too does the consistency of her description of events to K.E. Mr. Kellogg's testimony corroborates half of L.R.A.'s account. The record contains no evidence suggesting any motive for L.R.A. to fabricate her account.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that Petitioner, Florida Department of Health, Board of Massage Therapy, enter a final order: Finding that Respondent, Cameron Kellogg, LMT, violated section 480.0485, Florida Statutes. Revoking the license of Cameron Kellogg, L.M.T. Imposing a fine of $2,500.00 on Cameron Kellogg, L.M.T. Assessing costs of the investigation and prosecution of this case against Cameron Kellogg, L.M.T.,to be paid to Petitioner, Florida Department of Health. DONE AND ENTERED this 30th day of September, 2019, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S JOHN D. C. NEWTON, II Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 30th day of September, 2019.
The Issue The issue to be decided is whether Respondent violated the provisions of chapters 456 and 480, Florida Statutes, as alleged in the Administrative Complaint, and if so, what penalty should be imposed?
Findings Of Fact The Department of Health is the state agency charged with the licensing and regulation of massage therapists pursuant to section 20.42 and chapters 456 and 480, Florida Statutes. At times material to the allegations in the Administrative Complaint, Respondent, Giuseppe Chiarizia, was licensed as a massage therapist in the State of Florida, having been licensed on August 26, 2008, and issued license number MA54313. At the time of the alleged incident in this case, his license was clear and active. Teri Ingram and M.C. are close friends who reside, with their respective spouses, in Illinois. In late September, early October of 2008, the two couples were vacationing in Panama City. On or about October 1, 2008, Ms. Ingram and T.C. went to the Salon Baliage and Spa for a massage. Upon arriving at the spa, the women were led to a room to fill out paper work, and offered some refreshments, which they declined. Each woman was then taken back for the services they were receiving. Ms. Ingram was called back first, and had a facial and a massage. M.C. was having similar services. After Ms. Ingram's massage was finished, she returned to the waiting room to wait for M.C. At some point, an employee at the spa came to her and told her that M.C. was in another room and wanted to see her immediately. As Ms. Ingram approached the room, M.C. came out. She was dressed, but was shaking and crying hysterically. Ms. Ingram described her as "all hunched over, more like hugging herself." M.C. wanted to call the women's husbands and leave the spa. Ms. Ingram notified the manager that something had happened but she was not sure what, and that they were leaving the spa. Ms. Ingram paid for her services; she did not know if M.C. did so as well. The two women went outside, and while waiting for their husbands, M.C. told Ms. Ingram that the massage therapist, Respondent, had touched her. Ms. Ingram asked her what she meant by that statement, and M.C. told Ms. Ingram that the massage therapist had rubbed his genitals across her hands and her shoulders during her massage, and that once he began the massage he slipped his finger inside her vagina. M.C. stated that she told him to leave the room and to leave her alone, and in response, he held her down and told her he was sorry. She asked him repeatedly to leave the room and he finally did so. Once their husbands arrived, the two couples drove to the Panama City Beach Police Station to report the incident. Deputy Andrew LoTurco was employed by the Bay County Sheriff's Office. He was dispatched to the Panama City Beach Police Department to respond to M.C.'s complaint of sexual battery. When he encountered M.C., she was very distraught and embarrassed. After hearing her complaint and speaking with M.C., her husband and a lady, presumably Ms. Ingram, Deputy LoTurco transported M.C. to the Bay Medical Center for examination, and turned over the investigation to Deputy Jason Larson. Deputy Larson met with M.C. and also observed that she was extremely upset and had been crying. During the interview, she was withdrawn. M.C. related to Deputy Larson an account of what happened that was essentially the same as what she had stated to Ms. Ingram. She identified the massage therapist as Respondent. At some point, Respondent was taken to the Sheriff's Office, and Deputy Larson interviewed him and advised him of his Miranda rights. Respondent declined to give a taped statement, but did speak with Officer Larson. Initially, he denied M.C.'s report, but as the interview continued, he stated that it was possible he may have accidentally penetrated M.C.'s vagina with the tip of his finger. He also stated that if he was in his country, M.C. would have given him a tip and thanked him. At the hospital, a rape kit was administered. M.C. continued to be very upset by the incident, and the two couples shortened their planned vacation to return home as a result. Respondent claims that M.C. was a difficult client to massage because she was heavy-set. By contrast, Ms. Ingram testified that she thought M.C. was approximately five feet, four inches tall, and weighed approximately 140 pounds. Respondent also testified that during the massage, M.C. brought her hands out too far, making it difficult for him to continue massaging her and also avoid intimate contact with her hands. Finally, he claimed, essentially, that M.C. was masturbating during the massage. Respondent's testimony is not credited. Massage therapy training often involves blindfold massage, and teaches that massage in the vicinity of the genital area is to be conducted very carefully. If a massage therapist properly draped a patient consistent with the requirements of Florida Administrative Code Rule 64B7-30.001, it would not be possible to inadvertently touch a client's genital area. The placement of a massage therapist's finger into the vagina of a massage client is outside the scope of the professional practice of massage therapy and is below the standard of care.
Recommendation Upon consideration of the facts found and conclusions of law reached, it is RECOMMENDED: That the Board of Massage Therapy enter a final order finding Respondent guilty of violating sections 456.063(1); 456.072(1)(v); 480.046(1)(h) and(o); and 480.0485, Florida Statutes, and Florida Administrative Code Rule 64B7-26.010; finding Respondent not guilty of violating rule 64B7-30.001(5); and imposing a fine of $1,000 and revoking his license to practice massage therapy. DONE AND ENTERED this 1st day of September, 2011, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S LISA SHEARER NELSON Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 1st day of September, 2011. COPIES FURNISHED: Greg S. Marr, Esquire Department of Health 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C-65 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3265 Manshi Shah, Esquire Department of Health 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C-65 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3265 Giuseppe Chiarizia P.S.C. 451, Box 490 FPO, AE 09834 (giuseppechiarizia@hotmail.com) Nicholas W. Romanello, General Counsel Department of Health 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin A02 Tallahassee, Florida 32299-1701 Anthony Jusevitch, Executive Director Board of Massage Therapy Department of Health 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin A02 Tallahassee, Florida 32299-1701
