Massage therapist accused of oral sex, touching at 2 N.J. parlors ... - NJ.com

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A massage therapist accused of touching female clients in a sexual manner at Massage Envy locations in New Jersey could lose his license.

Steven A. Segovia touched women in inappropriate, sexual ways at two Massage Envy locations during the fall of 2013, according to the Attorney General's Office. The state has filed a complaint with the New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy seeking to revoke Segovia's license on the grounds of gross negligence that endangers the public, professional misconduct and failure to comply with regulations prohibiting licensed massage therapists from engaging in sexual contact with clients.

Authorities said Segovia acted inappropriately with a 52-year-old woman during massage sessions at a Massage Envy spa in Manalapan in October 2013, at which time he placed a finger into the woman's vagina while massaging her gluteal muscles. When she asked what he was doing, Segovia allegedly said, "I'm sorry. I misread you. I'll never do it again."

When the woman returned for a second session, Segovia performed oral sex on her at the end of the massage, according to the Attorney General's Office.

Authorities said Segovia admitted he gave the woman a massage and had sexual contact with her, including oral sex.

At a Massage Envy location in Freehold, Segovia allegedly began acting inappropriately with a woman who had come to him for numerous massages throughout 2013. He started asking her personal questions, like if she had a boyfriend, and telling her she could have massages at his private home, authorities said.

During the woman's last session at Massage Envy, Segovia slid off her underwear while massaging her and proceeded to have sexual intercourse with her, authorities said.

After, he allegedly whispered, "this will be our little secret, okay?" into her ear, authorities said.

This isn't the first case of abuse by therapists at the mega massage chain. As of last November, at least 180 women had accused therapists employed across the country of sexual assault.
"Massage therapists cannot, under any circumstances, engage in sexual contact with their clients. It is a clear violation of professional boundaries and an abuse of client trust," Attorney General Gurbir Grewal said in a statement Thursday. "Massage therapists who breach this fundamental rule, as this one allegedly did, face serious consequences for their actions."

A Massage Envy spokesperson said Segovia was no longer employed at the franchise location, and denounced his actions.

"We're appalled by the actions of this therapist and support the New Jersey state board's efforts to revoke his license," the company said in a statement. "The safety and well being of clients and therapists has been our mission from day one, and we continue to implement our Commitment to Safety plan, which further strengthens our existing policies."

A message left with a number listed to a Steve A. Segovia was not immediately returned Thursday afternoon.

The Attorney General's Office encourages anyone who believes a licensed health care professional has behaved inappropriately to file a complaint on its website or to call calling 1-800-242-5846 or 973-504-6200.

This story has been updated to include comment from Massage Envy.

Amanda Hoover can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @amandahoovernj. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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