A 32-year-old intern at a Florida mental health and addiction center has been charged with sexual misconduct by a psychotherapist, a third-degree felony. Michelle Luchau-Rebora allegedly engaged in a three-month romantic relationship with a 42-year-old patient at the New Hope C.O.R.P.S. addiction treatment center in Homestead, Florida.
Court documents state that Luchau-Rebora and the patient allegedly had sexual relations during therapy sessions. The intern also is accused of facilitating alibis for the patient, allowing him to leave the restricted facility for sexual encounters on multiple occasions. These alleged encounters took place at her home in Pinecrest, her mother's home in Key Biscayne, and within Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami.
According to court documents, Luchau-Rebora demanded that the patient not disclose their relationship, stating it would jeopardize her ability to work as a therapist. The alleged romance began in June. Luchau-Rebora reportedly ended the relationship in the fall, prompting the patient to report her to facility officials, who then alerted law enforcement.
Stephen Alvarez, the executive director of New Hope C.O.R.P.S., stated that upon learning of the allegations, the center promptly reported the matter to the appropriate authorities, terminated Luchau-Rebora's internship, and cooperated fully with the investigation.
Luchau-Rebora was arrested and appeared in court on Wednesday. She faces up to five years in prison if convicted. She was released after posting a $5,000 bond and declined to comment on the allegations, deferring to her lawyer. She is no longer in custody.