Authorities Close Down New Jersey Massage Parlor for Offering Illegal Services

By Ronald Rodriguez Last updated Jan 3, 2025

(CNS) TRENTON, N.J.— The New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy has permanently revoked the license of Essex County massage therapist Peter Petrovic, also known as Jagadisha Peter Petrovic, following allegations of sexual misconduct involving a female client, officials announced Wednesday.

According to the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, Petrovic is accused of groping and digitally penetrating a female client during a massage session in his Verona, N.J., office in July 2020. The client, identified as “Client 1,” was receiving therapeutic massage for chronic pain management when the alleged incident occurred.

Petrovic agreed to the license revocation as part of a Final Consent Order filed on December 23, 2024. Under the terms of the agreement, he surrendered his license, which is now permanently revoked without the possibility of reapplication. He is also barred from practicing or holding himself out as a massage therapist in New Jersey and prohibited from having any client contact or benefiting financially from massage services provided by others.

“No client should ever have to fear being sexually exploited or abused while interacting with a licensed professional in New Jersey,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin in a statement. “We take allegations of sexual misconduct by professionals very seriously and will rigorously investigate and hold accountable licensees that prey on the clients who trust them.”

The Division of Consumer Affairs Director Cari Fais emphasized that while most massage therapists uphold professional standards, “the actions of a rogue few can cause immeasurable harm to clients and adversely impact the profession as a whole.”

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The State’s case was based on a Verified Complaint filed with the Board that alleged Petrovic violated rules prohibiting sexual contact with clients and engaged in conduct that endangered client safety. The investigation was conducted by the Enforcement Bureau of the Division of Consumer Affairs, with the State represented by Deputy Attorneys General Cristina E. Ramundo and Yudelka Felipe.