Massage Therapist Accused Of Sexual Assault Of Woman Has License Suspended In Somerset Co.

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — A Somerset County massage therapist had his license temporarily suspended on Monday after being charged with criminal sexual assault against a client, said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs.

David Bittner, who practiced massage therapy in Hillsborough Township, agreed to the temporary suspension of his massage therapy license by the New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy pending the outcome of the criminal case and further action by the Board.

Bittner was previously charged on June 6 with second-degree sexual assault for allegedly sexually touching a woman without her consent during a massage therapy session at the fitness center where he works, according to Platkin.

Bittner was later indicted and placed under house arrest with an ankle monitor while he awaits trial.

If the allegations and charges are proven, Bittner's license could be suspended or revoked for violating the Board's sexual misconduct regulations and committing a crime that has a direct relationship to the activity regulated by the Board.

"Licensed professionals who exploit the trust of their clients for their own sexual gratification are a public danger that will not be tolerated," said Platkin. "When criminal sexual conduct is alleged, it is imperative that alleged perpetrators are removed from practice until those charges are resolved."

"There is no place in our massage therapy industry for professionals who cannot be trusted behind closed doors with their clients," said Elizabeth M. Harris, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. "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."

Due to the Board's temporary order, Bittner must immediately stop practicing any massage and bodywork therapy in New Jersey pending further action by the Board. Any practice will be deemed a violation of the interim consent order as well as an unlicensed practice.

Bittner is also barred from entering the premises of his former employer during business hours when clients may be present.

Patients who believe that they have been treated by a licensed health care professional inappropriately can file an online complaint with the State Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website or by calling 973-504-6200 to request a complaint form.

Correction: The Attorney General's Office had the incorrect first name of the massage therapist arrested. It has since been corrected.

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