Florida nurse pleads guilty to assault of 15-year-old stepson as marriage ends
A Florida healthcare worker has been sentenced for sexual assault charges involving her teenage stepson.
Alexis Von Yates, 35, accepted a plea deal in early September to avoid a sexual battery charge after being caught assaulting her 15-year-old stepson in July 2024. The New York Post reported that new details have emerged about the attack and its aftermath on the family.
Von Yates pleaded guilty to lewd and lascivious battery on a child between the ages of 12 and 16, receiving a two-year sentence. She has since separated from her husband, Frank Yates, according to a prison remand report obtained by the Daily Mail.
Disturbing Details Of The Assault
Police reports revealed that Von Yates targeted her stepson because he reminded her of his father, Frank Yates. She provided graphic details to investigators about physical similarities between the teenager and his father.
The since-fired nurse spent the week before the assault making inappropriate jokes about watching "stepmom pornos" and discussing her sexual appetite. Her behavior escalated to the actual assault while her two young children were sleeping in another room.
Von Yates cornered the 15-year-old victim and began kissing his neck before sexually assaulting him, according to the teen's testimony. The boy, who told police he was a virgin, became the target of his stepmother's predatory behavior.
Discovery And Immediate Aftermath
Frank Yates discovered the assault in progress and caught the pair in the act as his terrified son fled to the bathroom. The teenager ran with his pants around his ankles while trying to escape the traumatic situation.
When Frank questioned his son about what he had witnessed, Von Yates attempted to claim she had told the boy to stop. The victim contradicted his stepmother's false narrative but feared his father would physically punish him with a belt.
Frank Yates took the teenager to his grandparents' house for safety and told the boy he had "ruined his life." The grandparents also discouraged the victim from reporting the assault to his biological mother, according to reports.
Delayed Reporting And Investigation
The assault occurred in July 2024, but authorities were not notified until three months later in October. Frank Yates eventually sent an anonymous tip to the police reporting the sexual assault incident.
The delay in reporting allowed Von Yates to continue working as a nurse before her eventual arrest and termination. The extended timeframe also prolonged the victim's trauma without proper intervention or support services.
Police investigation confirmed the details of the assault through victim testimony and evidence gathered at the scene. The case proceeded through the court system, with Von Yates ultimately accepting a plea agreement to avoid more serious charges.
Why this story matters
This case is a stark example of how child sexual abuse can devastate families, erode trust, and impact a victim long after the crime. It also brings attention to the failures that occur when family members discourage victims from reporting abuse. By understanding the facts and consequences of this case, communities can become more vigilant and supportive of victims trying to break their silence. Highlighting stories like this one encourages accountability and emphasizes the importance of early intervention.
Conclusion
Alexis Von Yates, a 35-year-old Florida nurse, was sentenced to two years in prison after sexually assaulting her 15-year-old stepson in July 2024. The crime occurred while her children slept nearby and led to the dissolution of her marriage to Frank Yates. Initially unreported for three months, the case surfaced when Frank Yates submitted an anonymous tip.
Von Yates avoided a sexual battery charge by accepting a plea deal and will be labeled a sex offender for a decade, in addition to completing community service upon release. The victim’s mother made a heartfelt plea for justice, while the family continues to cope with the aftermath of betrayal, trauma, and broken trust.