Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs have announced that the New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy has permanently revoked the license of Evans W. Chigounis, a massage therapist from Monmouth County. The decision follows allegations that Chigounis engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct with female clients during sessions at two different salons.
Chigounis agreed to surrender his license as part of an agreement with the Board, effectively barring him from practicing massage therapy in New Jersey permanently. This action comes after accusations that he touched a client's breast and genital area during one session and placed his genitals in another client's hand during a separate session.
In a statement, Attorney General Platkin emphasized New Jersey's "zero tolerance for massage therapists who engage in sexual misconduct against clients." He assured that efforts would continue to identify individuals exploiting their professional licenses for such misconduct.
Elizabeth M. Harris, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, highlighted the threat posed by such actions to public safety and their impact on the reputation of professional massage therapists. She stated, "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."
The consent order reveals that Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa in Manalapan reported an incident involving Chigounis in July 2024, leading to his dismissal after he admitted inappropriate behavior. A Kneaded Vacation Massage & Wellness salon in Red Bank also filed a complaint about another incident involving Chigounis in November 2024.
If proven, these actions would indicate gross negligence or malpractice on Chigounis' part, violating professional conduct rules prohibiting sexual contact with clients.
Deputy Attorney General Daniel Evan Leef Hewitt represented the State under Section Chief Doreen A. Hafner's supervision within the Professional Boards Prosecution Section. The Enforcement Bureau within the Division of Consumer Affairs conducted investigations into these allegations.
Patients suspecting inappropriate treatment by licensed professionals are encouraged to file complaints online through the State Division of Consumer Affairs website or by calling designated phone numbers.
