Miami psychotherapist arrested after allegations of abuse against patients at women's center

Manuel Enrique García, a 33-year-old psychotherapist, was arrested this week in Miami after being accused of engaging in inappropriate behaviors with several patients during individual sessions at treatment centers for women.

He was arrested on Tuesday, July 15, and appeared before a judge of the Miami-Dade Court on Wednesday, who imposed a bond of $30,000, prohibited him from practicing as a therapist, and ordered him not to approach the victims.

The reported actions took place between February and March of this year at a facility located on 100 block of Northeast 49th Street in the city of Miami. García faces four charges for having inappropriate relationships with patients under his therapeutic care.

The first victim, a 48-year-old woman, reported that she was inappropriately touched and then forced during a private session. According to her testimony, García threatened to have her expelled from the center, which would leave her homeless again, as she was in a depressive state when she was admitted.

The second complainant, 26 years old, asserted that she was pressured to participate in non-consensual situations, one of which was recorded with the defendant's cell phone. She feared that negative observations would be noted in her therapeutic progress records, which could impact her treatment and the process of reunification with her child.

According to the arrest report cited by Telemundo 51, the victim stated that "she froze in fear and could not understand how the accused could abuse her, given his prior knowledge of her past traumatic experiences."

García also asked her if she needed anything from her personal storage, which was in his office, and then "he pushed her into his office, kissed her, and touched her chest under her clothing," according to the report. "García then took out his penis and forced her to perform oral sex on him," the document added.

A third victim came forward to the authorities on Wednesday with a similar account. Additionally, other residents of the center described repeated patterns of inappropriate behavior by the therapist.

According to information published by Local 10 News, one of the charges relates to a previous case that occurred on January 1 at the Concept House, located at 162 NE 49th St. The victim stated that García was assigned as her therapist, conducted sessions behind closed doors (locked), and subjected her to a progressive pattern of inappropriate physical contact and emotional control.

The woman identified García in a photograph that he signed as part of the investigative process. She also told a friend at the center about what had happened, who confirmed parts of the story to the police.

The arrest was carried out by the Felony Apprehension Team of the Miami Police Department. During his court hearing, García claimed to have only 2,000 dollars in his bank account. If released on bail, he will not be able to practice his profession or contact the complainants.

"The safety and well-being of all patients is our priority. We are committed to ensuring justice for the victims," stated the Miami Police Department in a statement, as reported by Local 10 News.

The police believe that there could be more victims and are asking anyone who has information or has had similar experiences with García to contact the Special Victims Unit by calling 305-603-6300 or 305-579-6111.

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