State Revokes Massage Therapist's License Over Sexual Conduct

NEWARK, NJ — State officials have permanently revoked the license of a Monmouth County massage therapist accused of engaging in inappropriate sexual contact with two women during massage therapy sessions at Massage Envy in 2013, including an incident at the Freehold location, officials said Tuesday.

The license of Steven A. Segovia was revoked by the state Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy, according to the announcement by Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and the state Division of Consumer Affairs.

In a complaint filed with the board last month, Segovia was accused of engaging in oral sex with a female client during a massage therapy session at Massage Envy in Manalapan, and engaging in sexual intercourse with another female client during a massage therapy session at Massage Envy in Freehold, which were "acts of gross negligence and professional misconduct," state officials said.

Board regulations strictly prohibit licensees from engaging in sexual contact with clients, even if it’s consensual.

Segovia agreed to the permanent revocation of his license to resolve the allegations against him. Segovia admitted to engaging in consensual oral sex with one client, which occurred at the Manalapan location, but denied engaging in inappropriate sexual contact with a different client at the Freehold location, state officials said in announcing the license revocation.

In November 2017, Buzzfeed reported that more than 180 women had accused massage therapists at Massage Envy of sexual assault. BuzzFeed cited court records, police reports and other complaints from women who reported being groped and penetrated by massage therapists at Massage Envy locations across the country. There are 49 Massage Envy locations in New Jersey. (READ MORE: Sex Misconduct At Massage Chain That Has 49 NJ Sites, Report Says)

Under the terms of a consent order from July 25, Segovia is permanently barred from practicing massage and bodywork therapy in New Jersey. He also must reimburse the state $5,000 for investigation and prosecution costs, officials said.

Investigators with the Enforcement Bureau within the Division of Consumer Affairs conducted the investigation.

Patients who believe that they have been treated by a licensed health care professional in an inappropriate manner can file an online complaint with the State Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website or by calling 1-800-242-5846 (toll free within New Jersey) or 973-504-6200.

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New Jersey Attorney General's Office seal via NJ Attorney General's Office