Judge approves protection order in Winter Park massage business sexual assault case - WESH

[Greg Fox]

A judge in Orange County has granted a protection order for an alleged victim of sexual assault at a Winter Park massage business.Ronel Michael Gutierrez Galvis, the owner, appeared in court this week for the first time since his arrest earlier this month on felony sexual battery and two other charges.The hearing was on a petition by the alleged victim in the criminal case, identified as “B.F.”, who was the first to file a Winter Park police complaint. He sought protection from Gutierrez, claiming Gutierrez sexually assaulted him in a room at Romich Massage and Spa on Minnesota Avenue last September.Judge Denise Beamer granted the injunction based on the evidence, stating, “The court will enter a final judgment of protection against sexual violence for three years.”Gutierrez’s attorney objected to a request by “B.F.’s” attorney for a mental health evaluation of Gutierrez. The request cited the fact that other accusers have come forward since initial WESH 2 Investigates reports. Ian Wise, “B.F.’s” attorney, said, “After the most recent motion to continue, at least four other individuals have come forward and with substantially similar circumstances.”Joe Garcia, Gutierrez’s attorney, countered, “We don’t believe it’s warranted. There’s only one encounter between the parties and we don’t believe that it’s necessary.”Judge Beamer sided with the alleged victim, adding, “As part of the injunction, I will require the respondent to complete a psychosexual evaluation.”Gutierrez has 60 days to complete the testing and must return to court for a hearing in mid-July. He is prohibited from having in-person, phone, or social media contact with “B.F.”, who said afterward that it was emotionally difficult to be in the same room as his alleged attacker. “I didn’t really look at him but I definitely felt some anxiety being in the room. Getting the evaluation done might give me some closure as far as WHY he is doing this,” he said.Wise added, “Mental illness and sexual violence go hand in hand and especially with the additional victims it’s important to not only protect our client but anyone else who may have contact with him in the future.”Gutierrez’s attorney has already entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. While he awaits trial in that case, police are continuing their investigation into what could become a larger case.The Florida Department of Health has already suspended Gutierrez’s massage therapy license under an emergency order and may seek permanent revocation. No hearing date has been set for his criminal case.

ORANGE CITY, Fla. —

A judge in Orange County has granted a protection order for an alleged victim of sexual assault at a Winter Park massage business.

Ronel Michael Gutierrez Galvis, the owner, appeared in court this week for the first time since his arrest earlier this month on felony sexual battery and two other charges.

The hearing was on a petition by the alleged victim in the criminal case, identified as “B.F.”, who was the first to file a Winter Park police complaint. He sought protection from Gutierrez, claiming Gutierrez sexually assaulted him in a room at Romich Massage and Spa on Minnesota Avenue last September.

Judge Denise Beamer granted the injunction based on the evidence, stating, “The court will enter a final judgment of protection against sexual violence for three years.”

Gutierrez’s attorney objected to a request by “B.F.’s” attorney for a mental health evaluation of Gutierrez. The request cited the fact that other accusers have come forward since initial WESH 2 Investigates reports. Ian Wise, “B.F.’s” attorney, said, “After the most recent motion to continue, at least four other individuals have come forward and with substantially similar circumstances.”

Joe Garcia, Gutierrez’s attorney, countered, “We don’t believe it’s warranted. There’s only one encounter between the parties and we don’t believe that it’s necessary.”

Judge Beamer sided with the alleged victim, adding, “As part of the injunction, I will require the respondent to complete a psychosexual evaluation.”

Gutierrez has 60 days to complete the testing and must return to court for a hearing in mid-July. He is prohibited from having in-person, phone, or social media contact with “B.F.”, who said afterward that it was emotionally difficult to be in the same room as his alleged attacker. “I didn’t really look at him but I definitely felt some anxiety being in the room. Getting the evaluation done might give me some closure as far as WHY he is doing this,” he said.

Wise added, “Mental illness and sexual violence go hand in hand and especially with the additional victims it’s important to not only protect our client but anyone else who may have contact with him in the future.”

Gutierrez’s attorney has already entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. While he awaits trial in that case, police are continuing their investigation into what could become a larger case.

The Florida Department of Health has already suspended Gutierrez’s massage therapy license under an emergency order and may seek permanent revocation. No hearing date has been set for his criminal case.