Yasmina Ponce Rodríguez, a Cuban national, has admitted guilt in a serious assault case involving a 17-year-old during a massage session at the Trump National Doral spa in Miami-Dade. The news was reported by Local 10 News on Tuesday.
Ponce, 56, who worked as a masseuse at the upscale resort in Doral, was arrested on March 1 of the previous year. The arrest stemmed from accusations of inappropriate touching of the teenager during a massage session, as per the arrest report from the local Police Department. Initially, Ponce was charged with lewd and lascivious conduct with a minor.
The incident took place on the same day at the resort located at 4400 NW 87th Ave. Police responded to reports of sexual abuse involving a minor.
Officers spoke with the victim, who identified himself as a club member and a regular spa client. He had scheduled an appointment with Ponce for a massage, as he had done previously.
During the session, the victim recounted lying naked on his back, covered by a sheet over his lower body. Approximately 25 minutes into the massage, Ponce allegedly removed the sheet, exposing his genitals, and began inappropriately massaging his private areas.
According to the police report, the victim pushed Ponce's hand away, at which point she stopped. The massage session continued. The teenager informed detectives that communication with Ponce was limited due to a language barrier, but he mentioned that she asked if he was "okay" at the session's end.
Afterwards, the young man confided in his mother and girlfriend about the incident. Together, they decided to report the matter to the authorities.
Upon her arrest at her home in southwest Miami-Dade, Ponce denied the allegations, stating that no such act occurred between her and the victim. She was initially held at the TGK jail but was released after posting a $2,500 bond.
During her first court appearance, Ponce claimed she was unaware that the client was underage and argued that "massages cannot be given to minors without family supervision."
On April 23, 2025, the Florida Department of Health suspended the Cuban masseuse's professional license.
The victim is represented by Horowitz Law, a firm known for filing several lawsuits against masseuses accused of inappropriate conduct with clients.
Key Questions on the Case of Yasmina Ponce Rodríguez
What were the charges against Yasmina Ponce Rodríguez?
Yasmina Ponce Rodríguez was initially charged with lewd and lascivious conduct involving a minor.
How did the victim report the incident?
The victim reported the incident to his mother and girlfriend, who then decided to contact the police.