A 35-year-old registered nurse from Ocala, Florida, Alexis Von Yates, had her nursing license temporarily suspended last week by the Florida Department of Health (DOH). The suspension comes as Yates faces criminal charges for alleged sexual misconduct with her 15-year-old stepson, according to state records. The DOH issued an emergency suspension order on Friday morning, as seen in online records. Yates has been practicing as a registered nurse under a single-state license since 2016.
Yates was arrested last year and charged with sexual battery on a minor aged between 12 and 16, as per court records. The alleged incident involving her husband’s biological son occurred in July 2024. An anonymous tip led to an investigation and subsequent arrest of Yates.
The victim, during police interviews, reportedly stated that the incident occurred while he was on a summer vacation visiting his father. The affidavit from Yates’ arrest 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. They later decided 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 emphasizes 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.