The New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy has temporarily suspended the license of David Bittner, a massage therapist from Somerset County. The suspension follows criminal charges against Bittner for alleged sexual assault of a client during a session in Hillsborough Township.
Bittner was arrested on June 6, 2025, after a woman reported to the Hillsborough Township Police Department that he touched her in a sexual manner without her consent while providing massage therapy at his workplace. He was charged with second-degree sexual assault, later indicted, and is currently under house arrest with an ankle monitor as he awaits trial.
Under an interim consent order filed with the Board on November 20, 2025, Bittner agreed to the temporary suspension of his license pending the outcome of his criminal case and further action by the Board. The order requires him to immediately stop practicing massage and bodywork therapy in New Jersey. Any violation would be considered unlicensed practice. He is also prohibited from entering his former employer’s premises during business hours when clients may be present.
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin stated, “Licensed professionals who exploit the trust of their clients for their own sexual gratification are a public danger that will not be tolerated. When criminal sexual conduct is alleged, it is imperative that alleged perpetrators are removed from practice until those charges are resolved.”
Elizabeth M. Harris, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, added: “There is no place in our massage therapy industry for professionals who cannot be trusted behind closed doors with their clients. Temporarily suspending the license of this individual while this criminal case moves forward is the only way to ensure the safety of the public and protect the integrity of the profession.”
If proven true, these allegations could lead to further disciplinary actions by the Board for violating its regulations regarding sexual misconduct and committing crimes directly related to professional activity.
The State is represented in this matter by Deputy Attorney General Michelle Mikelberg under Section Chief Doreen A. Hafner within the Division of Law’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Practice Group.
Patients who believe they have been treated inappropriately by licensed health care professionals can file complaints with the State Division of Consumer Affairs online or by calling 973-504-6200 to request a complaint form. Information about filing sexual misconduct complaints is available on the Division’s website.
