The New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy has permanently revoked the license of Pedro “Chris” Castillo, a North Jersey massage therapist, following allegations of inappropriate and unwanted sexual contact with female clients at two workplaces, according to an Apr. 23 announcement by Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Consumer Affairs.
The decision addresses concerns about client safety in massage therapy settings and aims to uphold professional standards within the industry. The case highlights ongoing efforts by state authorities to protect residents from exploitation during vulnerable moments.
Castillo agreed to surrender his license as part of a settlement with the Board after several women reported incidents at a chiropractic practice in Wayne and a spa in East Rutherford. According to a Consent Order filed with the Board, multiple clients—including one who was nineteen years old—alleged that Castillo exposed their intimate body parts improperly, touched them sexually, rubbed his private parts against them, and solicited sexual contact. The Board determined that Castillo violated New Jersey’s law governing professional conduct through gross negligence, repeated acts of negligence, professional misconduct, and breaches of rules prohibiting sexual misconduct by massage therapists.
“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.”
“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 terms set forth in the Consent Order, Castillo must cease all client contact statewide; he is also barred from providing any type of massage services or training other therapists. He cannot enter former workplaces during business hours when clients may be present.
According to the official website, the New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin aims to protect residents’ lives and property while upholding legal standards across all counties through enforcement actions like these decisions. The agency provides oversight on public safety matters throughout New Jersey according to its statutory mandate. It offers services including state legal representation, law enforcement oversight, crime lab support, victim advocacy initiatives—and handles consumer protection cases such as this one according to its official description.
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 for assistance.
