State authorities have revoked the licenses of five massage therapists, including one who has worked at Suzi’s Salon and Spa in Morristown, for alleged “inappropriate sexual contact with clients.”
Sean Pasculli had his license permanently revoked in March for allegedly touching a client inappropriately at Suzi’s on South Street in May 2017.
The actions by the State Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy were announced Tuesday by state Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.
“New Jersey has zero tolerance for massage therapists who engage in sexual contact with their clients during massage therapy sessions,” Grewal said in a statement.
Suzi’s owners Suzi Mack Fleisher and Ben Fleisher could not immediately be reached for comment.
The attorney general is proposing stricter oversight rules for the massage industry. Published this week in the New Jersey Register, the proposals would require massage therapists to:
- Inform the board of any criminal, civil or employment actions against them,
- Report misconduct by others, and
- Obtain written consent from the parent or guardian of any client under age 18. Additionally, services could not be provided to clients under age 16 without the presence of a parent or guardian.
The public has until Sept. 13, 2019, to comment on the proposed rule changes.
“We will maintain vigilant oversight of our licensees to preserve the professional integrity of our massage therapy industry and ensure that clients are treated with the respect and dignity they expect and deserve,” said Paul R. Rodríguez, acting director of the Division of Consumer Affairs.
Last year, the board permanently revoked licenses of eight of massage therapists and filed orders of temporary or provisional suspensions against four others.
Along with Pasculli, these massage therapists have lost their licenses since January, according to the attorney general:
Matthew Plotkin, who pled guilty to criminal sexual contact with a client during a massage therapy session at the Hand and Stone Spa in Allendale in March.
Jacob Robinson, who pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal sexual contact with a client during a massage therapy session in December 2018.
Jose Calderon, who authorities allege touched a client inappropriately during a massage therapy session at the Body Positive Works in Saddle River in September 2018. Calderon voluntarily surrendered his license without admitting any misconduct.
Leo Rodriguez, who allegedly touched a client inappropriately at Body Balance Massage & Skincare in Hoboken in December 2016.
Authorities advised clients who believes a licensed massage therapist has treated them in an inappropriate manner to file a complaint online with the State Division of Consumer Affairs or call 1-800-242-5846 or 973-504- 6200.
