Miami therapist accused of sexually assaulting patients facing more charges – NBC 6 South Florida

A Miami therapist accused of sexually assaulting two of his patients is now facing additional charges after a third victim came forward late Wednesday.

Investigators believe there may be even more victims of Manuel Garcia, who worked as a therapist at several clinics across Miami, including Concept House near Little Haiti. Garcia was arrested earlier this week.

Police said Garcia exploited the trust and vulnerability of the women he was supposed to help, allegedly sexually assaulting them during treatment sessions.

According to an arrest form, one woman told detectives that Garcia asked if she liked him before allegedly pulling down her pants and raping her inside his office. He then reportedly warned her not to report the incident, threatening that she could be discharged from the facility and left homeless.

A therapist at a Miami women’s treatment facility was arrested Tuesday following allegations of sexual misconduct with clients during therapy sessions, police said.

As detectives began investigating that allegation, a second woman came forward. She said Garcia offered to help her retrieve items from her personal storage, which was located in his office. Once inside, she said Garcia kissed her, groped her, and forced her to perform oral sex. The woman reportedly complied out of fear, worried Garcia could write damaging notes in her file that might impact her legal case or treatment progress.

“These are women who go there for help—many dealing with depression or substance abuse,” said Officer Mike Vega, a Miami Police spokesperson. “For a therapist to take advantage of them is immoral.”

After Garcia posted bond Wednesday, a third woman reported that he had also forced her to perform oral sex and touched her inappropriately several times. That led to a fresh set of charges before his release.

Garcia now faces four felony charges related to sexual battery and remains in jail. He is expected to appear in court again Thursday.

Miami Police are urging anyone else who may have been victimized by Garcia—at Concept House or any other facility where he worked—to come forward.

NBC6 reached out to Concept House for comment, but the treatment center declined to respond.