Somerset County Massage Therapist’s License Suspended After Sexual Assault Charge

David Bittner, indicted for alleged assault during a massage session, was barred from practicing pending the outcome of the criminal case and licensing board review.

The New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy has temporarily suspended the license of a Somerset County massage therapist who has been criminally charged with sexual assault of a client, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs announced.

David Bittner, who practiced in Hillsborough Township, was arrested on June 6, 2025, and later indicted on a second-degree sexual assault charge. The charge stems from an allegation that Bittner inappropriately touched a female client during a massage therapy session at a local fitness center where he was employed.

“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,” said Elizabeth M. Harris, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs.

Penalties

An interim consent order, filed on November 20, 2025, requires Bittner to immediately cease practicing massage and bodywork therapy in New Jersey. The order remains in effect pending the resolution of the criminal case and any further action by the licensing board.

Under the order, Bittner is also barred from entering the premises of his former employer during hours when clients may be present. Any violation of the order will be treated as an unlicensed practice and may result in additional enforcement action.

The conduct described in the criminal complaint, if proven, would constitute a violation of the Board’s sexual misconduct regulations and could serve as grounds for permanent revocation or suspension of Bittner’s license.

Legal Proceedings

Bittner is currently under house arrest with electronic monitoring while he awaits trial. The case remains ongoing.

The state is represented in the matter by Deputy Attorney General Michelle Mikelberg, under Section Chief Doreen A. Hafner, of the Professional Boards Prosecution Section within the Division of Law.

Anyone who believes they may have experienced inappropriate behavior by a licensed health professional can file a complaint with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting www.njconsumeraffairs.gov or calling 973-504-6200. Multilingual resources related to sexual misconduct complaints are available on the Division’s website.