A 32-year-old mental health therapist intern in Homestead, Florida, has been arrested on a charge of sexual misconduct by a psychotherapist after a patient at the addiction treatment facility where she worked told investigators the two had a monthslong sexual relationship, according to CBS12, NBC 6 South Florida and Local 10.
Michelle Luchau-Rebora, of Pinecrest, was booked on a charge of a psychotherapist engaging in sexual conduct with a client without authorization, a third-degree felony under Florida law punishable by up to five years in prison. She turned herself in to Homestead police, was held briefly at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center and was released on $5,000 bond.
Where the alleged relationship took place
Luchau-Rebora was working as a therapy intern at New Hope C.O.R.P., an addiction and behavioral health treatment facility on North Krome Avenue in Homestead, when the alleged relationship began, according to the reports. The alleged victim, a 42-year-old man, was a client and resident at the facility at the time.
According to the arrest report cited by the outlets, the man told investigators he and Luchau-Rebora had a romantic and sexual relationship from June through September 2025. He said the two had sex during therapy sessions and that she also helped arrange false alibis so he could obtain authorized leave from the restricted facility, allowing them to meet elsewhere.
Those outside meetings allegedly took place at Luchau-Rebora’s home in Pinecrest, at a local hospital, and at her mother’s house, according to the reports.
How the case came to light
The man reported the relationship to authorities after Luchau-Rebora ended it, the reports say. He also notified her employer. New Hope C.O.R.P. said in a statement to reporters that once it became aware of the allegations, it “promptly reported the matter to appropriate authorities and agencies, terminated the individual’s internship, and fully cooperated” with the investigation.
A judge found probable cause for the charge, and Luchau-Rebora has since appeared in court. Conditions of her release reportedly include a no-contact order with the alleged victim.
What’s next
The case remains under investigation, and no trial date has been announced. Florida law makes clear that a client’s consent is not a defense to the charge, in recognition of the power imbalance between a therapist and a patient in treatment. A first offense under the statute is a third-degree felony; the law provides for enhanced, second-degree felony charges for repeat offenses or when a therapist falsely represents sexual contact as part of treatment.
Luchau-Rebora has not publicly commented on the allegations. This story may be updated as additional details become available.
Sources: CBS12, NBC 6 South Florida and Local 10.
