The Florida Department of Health (DOH) has temporarily suspended the nursing license of a 35-year-old registered nurse from Ocala, Florida, Alexis Von Yates. This action comes in the wake of Yates facing criminal charges for alleged sexual misconduct with her 15-year-old stepson, as indicated by state records. The emergency suspension order was issued by the DOH last Friday morning, as per online records. Yates has been a practicing registered nurse since 2016, operating under a single-state license.
Yates was arrested last year and charged with sexual battery on a minor aged between 12 and 16, according to court records. The alleged incident, which involved her husband’s biological son, took place in July 2024. An anonymous tip sparked an investigation that led to Yates’ arrest.
The victim, during police interviews, reportedly stated that the incident occurred while he was on a summer vacation visiting his father. The arrest affidavit for Yates reveals that the boy was spending time with his stepmother, who was also caring for his younger siblings, while his father worked late hours. The two were reportedly relaxing on the couch late at night, playing video games and using a THC cartridge, before deciding to watch a movie.
The affidavit further details that Yates and the teen found the movie uninteresting and began conversing about other topics. The DOH emergency order also provides an account of the alleged sexual encounter between Yates and the teen. Yates reportedly initiated the encounter, leading to the two engaging in sexual acts, including intercourse. The teen told the police that Yates had been making sexual innuendos for about a week before the incident.
The DOH order underscores the importance of trust in the nursing profession, stating that nurses must demonstrate good judgment and moral character. It alleges that Yates’ decision to engage in sexual activity with a minor indicates a lack of judgment and moral character necessary for a registered nurse. The DOH officials stated that Yates’ continued practice as a nurse presents an immediate, serious danger to public health, safety, and welfare, leading to her suspension.
The DOH plans to promptly institute and act upon a proceeding seeking formal discipline of Yates’ nursing license in Florida. Yates has pleaded not guilty to the charges against her. Attempts to reach her for comments were unsuccessful.