Unlicensed physical therapist arrested in sexual assault

A man who told police he has been practicing as an unlicensed physical therapist, was arrested on a sexual assault charge Friday.

A woman suffering from back pain claims Luis Aguilar touched her inappropriately during a private session at his home last week. But Aguilar, 58, says the technique he used on the patient was one he had learned and performed on other women.

Aguilar, 58, was booked into the Leon County Jail on Friday and faces charges of sexual assault and fraud, court documents said.

On Jan. 5, the woman was referred to Aguilar to ease her back pain. She went to Aguilar's home in northwest Tallahassee, where during the massage, Aguilar touched her breasts and at one point, told her he would have to "insert" into her.

The woman immediately said "I don't think so." But he pulled down her shorts and performed the technique anyway.

Upset and panicked, she quickly got dressed and left the house. Days later, she called police.

In an interview with TPD, Aguilar said he was a veterinarian and physical therapist in Mexico and moved to the United States in 1992. He said he has never been licensed to practice but has done so privately for donations. He said he practices out of his home, but has traveled to clients in Pensacola, Jacksonville and Tampa, according to court documents.

The technique, he said, was a method to relieve pressure on a woman's vagina. He said he had performed it on other women. He first said he learned the technique at an unknown school in Mexico before admitting he learned it from his grandfather.

Aguilar is currently in the Leon County Jail.