Naples, FL - Hand & Stone Massage Therapist Ermin Luis Accused of Sexually Assaulting a Minor

Former Licensed Massage Therapist at Hand & Stone Accused of Groping a Minor

According to ABC 7, a massage therapist was charged with sexual battery after groping a 17-year-old girl during a session at Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa.

Ermin Luis allegedly uncovered the female's breasts and began groping her in a 2019 occurrence. The incident was reported to the police and the Florida Department of Health.

As a result, Collier County police arrested Luis for battery. The charge was dropped with a no-contest plea, and community service hours and a fine were required.

Previously, Luis was arrested in 2014 for streaking through a neighborhood and failed to notify the Florida Board of Massage Therapy. On May 14th, Luis relinquished his license.

Legal Options of Victims Sexually Abused by a Massage Therapist

Attorney contributor Michael Haggard provides commentary on sexual abuse within massage parlors. In an interview, Michael shared his experience on the legal options for victims sexually assaulted by a massage therapist:

“Massage therapists are called upon to provide care and comfort to those who need their services. People enter parlors across the country to receive alleviation for their pains and receive recommendations on healthy living. However, therapists and those with power often take advantage of their positions and sexually abuse clients and act as predators. Spas and other institutions must thoroughly examine the backgrounds of the employees they are hiring and ask about their true motives for wanting to work."

“Those abused sexually by the hands of massage therapists must look at legal options. Victims should inquire about an experienced sexual abuse lawyer as parlors could be at fault if the accused was working at the business at the time of the crime. In some cases, spas and parlors can be seen as liable if a court deems them as negligent. Safety measures are needed and necessary to assure clients that employees and therapists are doing their best to protect and help rather than harm. These measures can include detailed background checks, misconduct reporting systems, and more. Victims can have a case for a civil lawsuit against massage parlors when protections are falling short."

Sources:

ABC 7