LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA) — Investigators believe there could be more victims of a Lakeland psychotherapist accused of sexual misconduct who have not yet come forward.
Detectives started investigating Anthony H. Conti Jr. on Sept. 12, according to the Lakeland Police Department. Conti Jr. is a mental health counselor at the Tony Conti, M.A. Counseling Center, located at 1962 E. Edgewood Dr.
Police said there are multiple victims. The first victim, age 29, contacted Conti in late June or early July, police said.
“During her third visit with Conti, he mentioned how he could help rid her body of toxins and he discussed four levels of treatment. Conti explained that level one consisted of touching her on the neck, down the neck, the arm and breast region. He further stated that level four was intimate with hands on touching. Conti began level one treatment and the session ended,” police said.
On Sept. 2 Conti allegedly called the victim to find out why she hadn’t scheduled another appointment. Police said the victim thought it was irregular for Conti to contact her for an appointment, however, she agreed to a second session.
That session occurred on Sept. 10. Conti instructed the victim to lay down on a sofa, police said. “Conti explained that there were glands in her breast region, at which time he placed both of his hands underneath her bra and ‘groped’ her breasts multiple times. The victim explained that she didn’t feel comfortable with this and had to leave. The victim stated that Conti then put his hands down her pants,” police said.
After the session ended the victim contacted the State Attorney’s Office.
On Sept. 20 police started investigating alleged incidents involving a 39-year-old victim. This victim started receiving treatment from Conti in December 2015, police said. On Sept. 9 Conti rubbed the victim’s “legs vigorously with both hands,” police said.
For months Conti had told the victim about possible neurotransmitter releases and Eastern medicine therapies, according to the Lakeland Police Department. “He further went into detail about serotonin and how Gamma-Amino Butyric acid are produced in your stomach and dopamine that is produced in your crotch area,” police said.
Conti allegedly told the victim she was gorgeous during the session.
On Sept. 15 the victim went to Conti for another session. “Conti had the victim lay down and he began rubbing her stomach under her shirt. He then proceeded to slide his hand underneath her pants and her underwear. The victim stated she felt embarrassed and froze. Conti continued to rub her inner thighs while he explained about her lymph nodes and the importance of them. The victim further stated that Conti began to massage her underneath her panties,” police said.
When the victim told Conti to stop, he did, police said. However, he then started touching her upper chest, police said. He allegedly explained the mechanics of what he was doing.
Conti then touched the victim’s breasts and told her she had beautiful breasts, police said.
Police said the victims worked with undercover detectives. On Sept. 27 one of the victims “asked Conti about him touching her during the previous therapy. Conti advised he does this because he is trying to restart the body and he referenced to touching the butt, breasts and vagina,” police said.
Conti was arrested after this session. He’s charged with two counts of engaging in sex with a client as a psychotherapist.
At his first appearance before a judge on Wednesday an assistant state attorney called Conti, “A predator who took advantage of vulnerable young women when they most needed help.”
Conti’s attorney in court on Wednesday has an office just next door to the therapists office.
“I can tell you I’ve known Tony for a long time. He’s a good man. He has a practice upstairs from my practice and at this point what I’m telling you and what I am asking everyone to do is not rush to judgement,” said Attorney Art Fulmer Jr.
Police believe there could be more victims. If you have information call 863-834-8977. Victims’ identities will remain confidential, as dictated by state law.
