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A 54-year-old High Springs man was arrested Tuesday after being accused of sexually assaulting a client during massage appointments at a Gainesville chiropractic office, authorities say. Gainesville Massage Therapist Jason Vigliotti Arrested for Felony Sexual Battery at Affordable Chiropractic.
Jason Michael Vigliotti faces a felony sexual battery charge stemming from allegations that he penetrated a woman with his fingers during a March massage appointment at Affordable Chiropractic in Gainesville. According to the arrest report, Vigliotti allegedly told the victim, "You can't tell anyone. Whatever happens here stays here."
The woman had been receiving massage services from Vigliotti for several months prior to the March incident. During that time, she kept a personal journal documenting a series of inappropriate behaviors, including Vigliotti moving her underwear and failing to properly cover her with sheets during sessions.
The victim told law enforcement she was unfamiliar with standard massage practices at the time and did not initially report the incidents because she did not know the behavior was outside professional norms.
Investigators noted that Vigliotti scheduled most of the victim's appointments after regular business hours, personally unlocking the doors to let her in. The victim also told authorities she believed Vigliotti kept no records of the appointments — a detail that may have made the sessions more difficult to trace.
During the investigation, detectives interviewed a former coworker of Vigliotti's, who told investigators she had previously received complaints about inappropriate contact during massage sessions — suggesting the alleged misconduct may not have been an isolated occurrence.
Vigliotti declined to speak with investigators after being advised of his rights, according to the arrest report.
The investigation remains ongoing. Detectives with the Alachua County Sheriff's Office have indicated they believe additional victims may exist, according to a social media post from the agency.
Vigliotti was booked into the Alachua County Jail on a charge of sexual battery.
Anyone with information regarding Vigliotti's conduct is urged to contact Detective C. Bierman at cbierman@asco.us or by phone at 352-367-4082.
The factual information above was sourced from alligator.com as of June 29, 2026.
The attorney commentary below is not specifically about the case reported above. Attorney commentary provided is information about these types of cases in the justice system.
Sexual assault by a massage therapist is a profound betrayal of trust — one that happens in a space where clients are physically vulnerable and expected to feel safe. For many victims, the aftermath brings not only trauma but a maze of unanswered questions about what comes next. While a criminal investigation may run its course, victims often don't realize they also hold independent legal power through the civil court system. We sat down with Miami-based sexual abuse attorney Michael Haggard to discuss what victims can do, what businesses can be held accountable for, and why coming forward — even long after an incident — may be more viable than many survivors believe.
Editor Darla Medina: When someone is sexually assaulted by a massage therapist, most people think about the criminal case. But there's also a civil side to this. Can you walk us through that?
Attorney Michael Haggard: Absolutely. The criminal case is handled by the state — the victim doesn't control it, doesn't direct it, and may not even be consulted on every decision. A civil lawsuit is different. It puts the victim in the driver's seat. They can file a personal injury claim against the therapist directly, and in many cases, against the business or employer as well. That's where real financial accountability can happen.
Medina: Can the business itself be held responsible, even if the owner wasn't in the room?
Haggard: Yes, and this is something people often don't realize. Under Florida law, employers can be held liable for the actions of their employees if the misconduct occurred within the scope of employment or if the business was negligent in hiring, supervising, or retaining that person. If a business had any reason to know that a therapist posed a risk to clients and did nothing about it, that opens the door to significant liability.
Medina: What about victims who didn't report the assault right away — does that hurt their civil case?
Haggard: Not necessarily. Florida has recognized that victims of sexual abuse often delay reporting because of shame, confusion, or fear — and the law reflects that. There are extended statutes of limitations for sexual abuse claims, particularly when the victim was in a position of vulnerability or trust with the perpetrator. The important thing is that victims speak with an attorney as soon as possible to understand where they stand.
Medina: What kind of damages can a victim recover in a civil lawsuit?
Haggard: Civil damages can cover a wide range — medical expenses, therapy and counseling costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. In cases where the conduct was particularly egregious, Florida courts can also award punitive damages, which are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter others from similar behavior.
Medina: What would you say to someone who experienced this kind of assault but isn't sure whether to come forward?
Haggard: I would tell them that what happened to them was not their fault, and that they have rights — both criminally and civilly. Speaking with an attorney is confidential and carries no obligation. Many victims don't realize how much power they actually have, and a civil case can bring a level of personal justice and closure that the criminal process alone sometimes cannot.
If you or someone you love has experienced sexual assault at the hands of a massage therapist or any other professional, you do not have to navigate what comes next alone. Civil legal options exist that many victims never know about — and the window to act may be shorter than you think. Contact The Legal Herald today to be connected with an experienced attorney who can review your situation, answer your questions, and help you understand every option available to you — all at no cost and with zero obligation. One conversation could change everything.
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