N.J. revokes massage therapist’s license over alleged sexual misconduct; permanently barred

TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey officials have permanently revoked the license of a North Jersey massage therapist following allegations of sexual misconduct involving multiple clients, authorities said.

Pedro “Chris” Castillo agreed to surrender his license under a consent order with the state Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy, barring him from practicing in New Jersey permanently.

Authorities said Castillo was accused of engaging in inappropriate and unwanted sexual contact with female clients during massage sessions at a chiropractic and physical therapy practice in Wayne and at a spa in East Rutherford.

According to the consent order, multiple women — including a then-19-year-old client — alleged that Castillo improperly exposed intimate body parts, touched clients in a sexual manner, rubbed his body against them and, in one case, solicited sexual contact.

“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,” said Attorney General Davenport. “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.”

State officials said the board found Castillo violated professional conduct laws, including engaging in gross negligence and repeated acts of misconduct that endangered clients’ safety, as well as rules prohibiting sexual misconduct by massage therapists.

“Misconduct by massage therapists is a profound violation of their ethical and professional responsibilities,” said Jeremy Hollander, acting director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “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.”

Under the agreement, Castillo must cease all client contact and is prohibited from providing massage services in any capacity, including training others. He is also barred from entering the businesses where he previously worked during hours when clients are present.

The investigation was conducted by the Division of Consumer Affairs, with the case prosecuted by the state Division of Law.

Officials said anyone who believes they have been treated inappropriately by a licensed professional can file a complaint with the Division of Consumer Affairs by calling 1-800-242-5846 or 973-504-6200.