Massage Therapist Permanently Barred Following Sexual Misconduct Allegations

State regulators revoke license of Evans W. Chigounis after multiple client complaints from two separate salons

The New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy has permanently revoked the license of Monmouth County massage therapist Evans W. Chigounis, following serious allegations of sexual misconduct involving two female clients at separate salons where he was employed. The action was announced June 10, 2025, by Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs.

Chigounis agreed to an immediate and permanent surrender of his license under a Final Consent Order with the Board, effectively banning him from ever practicing massage therapy in New Jersey again. The allegations include two separate incidents: one in July 2024 at Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa in Manalapan, and another in November 2024 at A Kneaded Vacation Massage & Wellness in Red Bank.

According to the consent order and official complaints, Chigounis inappropriately touched one female client’s breast and genital area over a blanket during a massage at Hand & Stone. He admitted to the conduct and was terminated from that position. A subsequent allegation from A Kneaded Vacation involved Chigounis allegedly placing his genitals in a female client’s hand during a massage. He was also terminated from that position following the complaint.

The Board concluded that if the conduct is proven, it would constitute gross and repeated acts of negligence, malpractice, and violations of professional ethics — specifically prohibitions against sexual contact with clients and engaging in behavior for personal sexual gratification.

“This kind of sexual misconduct is a threat to the public and an affront to the vast majority of licensed massage therapists who conduct themselves professionally and treat their clients with the respect and dignity they deserve,” said Elizabeth M. Harris, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “By permanently barring this licensee from practice, we’re demonstrating our commitment to ensuring client safety and protecting the integrity of New Jersey’s massage therapy industry.”

“New Jersey has zero tolerance for massage therapists who engage in sexual misconduct against clients during massage therapy sessions,” said Attorney General Platkin. “We will continue to investigate and root out individuals who hide behind their professional licenses to sexually prey on the clients who trust them.”

As part of the disciplinary agreement, Chigounis must cease all client interactions and is prohibited from presenting himself as a massage therapist in any capacity within the state.

The case was handled by Deputy Attorney General Daniel Evan Leef Hewitt under the supervision of Section Chief Doreen A. Hafner. The investigation was led by the Enforcement Bureau within the Division of Consumer Affairs.

Individuals who believe they have experienced inappropriate behavior from a licensed professional are encouraged to file a complaint with the Division of Consumer Affairs, either through its website or by calling 1-800-242-5846 (toll-free within New Jersey) or 973-504-6200.