A civil lawsuit has been filed alleging that a customer at a local massage business was subjected to inappropriate sexual contact by an employee during a paid session, raising questions about the business’s hiring and supervision practices. The complaint was brought by an individual identified as Jane Doe on February 9, 2026, in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit for Pinellas County, Florida, naming Darren Kitchel and Deep Kneads Clinical Therapy & Massage as defendants.
According to the verified complaint, Jane Doe claims she visited Deep Kneads Clinical Therapy & Massage on February 23, 2024 as a paying customer. During her session with Darren Kitchel—who is described as an employee, officer, and sole proprietor of the business—Doe alleges that Kitchel “inappropriately performed the massage services by touching and groping the Plaintiff’s genitals.” The filing states this conduct occurred without her consent while she was alone with Kitchel in an isolated space after being directed to disrobe for the massage.
The lawsuit asserts multiple legal claims against both Kitchel individually and Deep Kneads Clinical Therapy & Massage as his employer. In Count I, Doe alleges that Kitchel breached his duty of care as a licensed massage therapist by failing to adhere to acceptable standards of behavior. She claims this breach resulted in bodily injury, physical pain and mental suffering, loss of capacity to enjoy life, inconvenience and humiliation, mental anguish, and medical expenses.
The complaint further argues that Deep Kneads Clinical Therapy & Massage is vicariously liable for Kitchel’s actions because he was acting within the scope of his employment at all relevant times. “Defendant…is vicariously responsible for the negligent acts or omissions committed by…DARREN KITCHEL,” it states.
In addition to negligence claims against both defendants (Counts I and II), Doe brings claims of intentional assault and battery against Kitchel (Counts III), stating that he “intentionally touched and groped Plaintiff’s genitals without her consent” which “created a fear of imminent physical peril.” The suit also seeks punitive damages from Kitchel for these alleged intentional acts.
Counts IV and V allege that Deep Kneads Clinical Therapy & Massage is also vicariously liable for intentional torts committed by its employee during the course of his work duties. Doe repeats her claim that all alleged acts took place while Kitchel was performing services at the instruction of—and for the benefit of—the business.
Count VI raises allegations regarding negligent hiring practices. According to Doe’s attorneys, Deep Kneads Clinical Therapy & Massage failed in its duty “to properly investigate its employees so as to ensure its business invitees were safe from risk or harm while on its premises.” The complaint contends that given “the foreseeable risk and danger to customers” placed alone with employees in vulnerable conditions during massages, there exists a heightened duty to screen staff for competence or potential danger.
Throughout each count, Jane Doe seeks damages exceeding $50,000 exclusive of costs and interest. She requests a jury trial on all issues raised in her complaint. Relief sought includes compensation for bodily injury; physical pain; mental suffering; loss of enjoyment of life; inconvenience; humiliation; mental anguish; past and future medical expenses; costs; punitive damages where applicable; and any other relief deemed just by the court.
The attorneys representing Jane Doe are Thomas D. Roebig Jr., Taylor D. Roebig, John J. Hart, and Sarah K. Bartlett from Florin Roebig PA in Palm Harbor, Florida. The case is identified as number 26-000817-CI.
Source: 26000817CI_Jone_Doe_v_Darren_Kitchel_Complaint_Pinellas_County_Florida.pdf
