North Miami Beach, FL - Massage Therapist James Scopetta Accused of Sexually Assaulting Client at DoubleTree Ocean Point Resort & Spa

DoubleTree Ocean Point Massage Therapist Charged with Sexually Assaulting Client

Legal Commentary: Scroll down to our second section for information from sexual assault victim lawyer Michael Haggard on filing a lawsuit for sexual assault by a massage therapist at DoubleTree.

A massage therapist at DoubleTree Resort & Spa by Hilton Hotel Ocean Point in Sunny Isles Beach was arrested in February for allegedly sexually assaulting a client during a massage.

34-year-old James Scopetta was arrested on Tuesday, February 4 on a sexual battery charge. A woman told police that he touched her breasts and private parts during a massage.

According to the police, Scopetta told officers that "he felt the victim was attracted to him and she wanted more of an erotic massage, which made him uncomfortable." He denied sexually assaulting her.

Do I Need a Lawyer For Sexual Abuse by a Massage Therapist?

Attorney Michael Haggard is a sexual assault victims lawyer who has represented several victims of massage therapist sexual assault in civil lawsuits against spas. Michael has offered to share some information regarding the legal rights of massage therapist sexual assault victims:

Across the United States, there have been hundreds of reports of massage therapists sexually assaulting their clients. Many of these victims have started to fight back not just against the predators who assaulted them, but also the spas and massage studios that have failed to protect their clients. Many of these cases have involved negligence by spa owners, opening the door for otherwise preventable sexual assaults to occur.

When a sexual assault by a massage therapist happens due to negligence by the spa owner, the victim may have a strong case for a lawsuit. For example, the spa could be considered negligent for ignoring previous complaints of inappropriate behavior or sexual misconduct by the massage therapist.

If you or a loved one has been sexually assaulted at a spa by a massage therapist, you can learn more about your legal rights by speaking with one of our experienced sexual assault victims lawyers in a free consultation.

Sources

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/aventura/article240029678.html

https://www.local10.com/news/local/2020/02/05/spas-massage-therapist-faces-sexual-battery-charge/