The New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy has permanently revoked the license of Pedro “Chris” Castillo, a North Jersey massage therapist, after allegations of inappropriate and unwanted sexual contact with female clients during sessions at two workplaces, according to an April 23 announcement from Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Consumer Affairs.
The case is significant as it addresses public safety concerns in the massage therapy industry. The permanent revocation aims to protect clients from potential exploitation and uphold professional standards within New Jersey.
Davenport said, “No one should ever have to fear being sexually exploited by a massage therapist. Individuals who seek massage therapy should be able to trust they will be treated with dignity and respect – nothing less. My office will hold accountable anyone who exploits that trust and puts clients in grave danger by taking advantage of them sexually while they are at their most vulnerable.” Acting Director Jeremy Hollander also commented, “Misconduct by massage therapists is a profound violation of their ethical and professional responsibilities. To ensure client safety and protect the integrity of New Jersey’s massage therapy industry, we will continue to investigate and root out this reprehensible conduct.”
A Consent Order filed with the Board detailed allegations that Castillo exposed intimate body parts, touched several clients’ buttocks, breasts, or vaginas inappropriately during sessions at practices in Wayne and East Rutherford. In one instance, he allegedly solicited sexual contact by placing a client’s hand on his erect penis. The Board determined these actions constituted gross negligence endangering client health and safety as well as repeated acts of professional misconduct violating state rules prohibiting sexual misconduct.
Under the agreement resolving these allegations, Castillo must surrender his license without possibility for reinstatement or reapplication. He is barred from all client contact statewide—including training other therapists—and cannot enter previous workplaces during business hours when clients may be present.
According to the official website, the New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin functions as a state agency focused on justice and public safety across all counties through legal representation, law enforcement oversight, crime lab support, victim advocacy initiatives, regulation enforcement duties under its statutory mandate.
These efforts aim to protect residents’ lives and property while influencing public safety throughout New Jersey.
The office extends its authority statewide offering consumer protection services among others according to the official website.
Anyone who believes they have been treated inappropriately by a licensed professional can file an online complaint with the State Division of Consumer Affairs or call its hotline numbers provided in the announcement.
