Prosecutors: Doctor Climbed Through Hatch of Yacht to Commit Sexual Assault
On April 15th, 2025, the Miami Herald reported that Francis Herrbold—a 54-year-old surgeon from Florida—has been convicted of sexual battery. The doctor reportedly climbed through the hatch of a yacht to commit sexual assault. He is currently scheduled to be sentenced in Walton County in June of 2025. Here, our Miami sexual assault lawyer for victims provides a more detailed overview of the case.
Attack: Doctor in North Florida Sexually Assaulted Woman
Dr. Francis Nicoli Herrbold—a licensed thoracic surgeon from Pensacola Beach—was arrested in 2023 on felony charges of sexual assault in the form of rape. On April 10th, 2025, he was convicted of sexual battery by a jury in criminal court in Walton County. Notably, the incident occurred on June 24th, 2023, during a fishing tournament at Sandestin Marina. Dr. Herrbold was among friends aboard the victim’s yacht. After the victim went to sleep in a locked cabin, Dr. Herrbold—who had previously fallen asleep on the deck of the boat—entered the yacht through a hatch. He accessed a guest cabin and then entered the main cabin. The victim was asleep in the main cabin. She reportedly awoke to Herrbold sexually assaulting her and was traumatized by the attack.
The next day, the attack was reported to local law enforcement. Through the trial, Dr. Herrbold claimed the encounter was entirely consensual. However, the victim and other witnesses contradicted his account of events. He was convicted of a felony charge of sexual battery—a serious crime in Florida. He has been remanded into custody pending his sentencing and he is scheduled for sentencing in June. The conviction carries a maximum of 15 years in state prison.
The Defendant Could Also Face Civil Legal Action
A civil claim is possible in this case. Victims of sexual assault in Florida have the right to pursue a civil lawsuit for damages related to the attack, such as emotional distress, medical expenses, and other related losses. Notably, any civil sexual assault claim is wholly independent of any criminal proceedings related to the attack. As of April of 2025, there is no public record of a civil sexual assault lawsuit being filed against the defendant in this case. As the attack happened on June 24th, 2023, the statute of limitations for such a civil lawsuit would be June 24th, 2025. There is a general two year statute of limitations for civil sexual assault claims in Florida. Only very limited exceptions apply to the deadline so it is important for victims to take a proactive approach.
Contact Our Miami Sexual Assault Lawyer for Victims Today
At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our Miami sexual assault attorney is committed to fighting for justice for victims. Our team is prepared to handle all aspects of your civil case. If you or your loved one was the victim of sexual assault, we are here to help. Contact us today for a free, fully confidential consultation. With an office in Miami, we represent victims throughout South Florida.
