December 22, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Following recent reforms established to better protect the public from sexual misconduct and abuse in professional settings, Acting Attorney General Andrew J. Bruck and the Division of Consumer Affairs today announced that the New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy (“the Board”) has permanently revoked the license of a massage therapist who touched a female client inappropriately during a massage session at Renewed Spa in Pennington.

Under a Final Order filed today, Asmar R. Berry, 43 of Trenton, New Jersey, is permanently barred from working as a massage therapist in New Jersey after the Board found that he violated multiple rules and regulations governing the practice of massage therapy when he had sexual contact with a client during a massage session in 2018.

Berry was originally charged with five criminal counts for allegedly exposing and touching a female client inappropriately, including digitally penetrating the client, during a massage therapy session, but was acquitted of all criminal charges after his attorney argued that the sexual contact was consensual but also conceded that his client violated his duty as a massage therapist.

The Board, after reviewing the facts, concluded that Berry violated the Board’s sexual misconduct regulations, for which consent is not a defense. The Board further found that, in addition to other violations, Berry’s actions constituted gross negligence, malpractice, incompetence and professional misconduct, warranting a permanent revocation of his license to practice massage and bodywork therapy in New Jersey.

“Engaging in sexual contact with clients is a serious violation of professional boundaries and an abuse of client trust that comes with serious consequences,” said Acting Attorney General Bruck. “The outcome in this case should make it clear that we will not tolerate that type of unacceptable behavior from a massage therapist or any other licensed professional who tries to take advantage of their position for personal gratification.”

In April, the Office of the Attorney General, in AG Administrative Directive 2021-3, unveiled sweeping reforms to address the problem of sexual abuse and misconduct among individuals licensed by the 51 professional and occupational boards and committees under the administrative oversight of the Division of Consumer Affairs. Those licensees, some 720,000 in all, include physicians, nurses, psychologists, drug and alcohol counselors, and massage therapists.

The Directive grew out of the Division’s yearlong comprehensive review announced in February 2020, and called on the Division to work with the professional boards and committees to initiate specific changes and adopt best practices to address the problem of sexual misconduct through prevention, accountability, and victim support.

“While the majority of massage therapists conduct themselves professionally and follow strict standards, we are glad that the Board is holding this individual accountable for his actions,” said Sean P. Neafsey, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “Public safety comes first and we will continue to work with every professional to ensure sexual misconduct allegations are addressed and handled appropriately.”

The Board permanently revoked Berry’s license to practice massage therapy in New Jersey, with no ability to reapply, effective September 28, 2021. Additionally, Berry has been assessed a $9,176.44 penalty to cover attorney’s fees and investigative costs.

Berry’s license has been suspended since November 2018, when he entered into a Consent Order and agreed to the temporary suspension of his license until conclusion of all criminal proceedings and further Order of the Board.

Berry is the second massage therapist this year to have his license permanently revoked as a result of sexual misconduct in the workplace. Since the last enforcement actions for sexual misconduct were announced in August 2021, the Board has denied licensure to an individual who allegedly touched a client inappropriately while working as a massage therapist without a license, accepted the permanent retirement of another licensee, and temporarily suspended the license of a massage therapist who was criminally charged with sexual misconduct. They are:

• Gary Morrisey – License temporarily suspended on November 2021, pending the disposition of criminal charges for alleged sexual assault and criminal sexual conduct with a female client during a massage therapy session.
• Steffon Davis – License application denied on October 2021, with no right to reapply, for practicing without a license and allegedly touching a client inappropriately during a massage therapy session at a Massage Envy in Mays Landing.
• Doudi A. Zaki – License voluntarily surrendered and deemed to be on permanent retirement, as of August 2021, for allegedly engaging in inappropriate conduct with a female client during massage therapy sessions at a Massage Envy located in Short Hills.

In addition to taking disciplinary action against licensees for alleged sexual contact with clients, in November 2019, the Board adopted new rules to prevent and respond to sexual misconduct in the massage therapy industry. And, in November 2020, the Division instituted a new protocol for boards’ consideration of license reinstatement requests from individuals whose authority to practice was previously discontinued. This protocol promotes transparency around reinstatement requests and helps to ensure that victims and those charged with advocating on behalf of the public have a voice in the reinstatement process.

Deputy Attorney General Michelle Mikelberg, of the Professional Boards Prosecution Section within the Division of Law’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Practice Group, represented the State in the Berry matter. Deputy Attorney General Roman Guzik, of the Consumer Affairs Counseling Section within the Division of Law, represented the State in the other matters. Investigators with the Enforcement Bureau within the Division of Consumer Affairs conducted investigations in these cases.

Clients who believe that they have been treated by a licensed massage therapist in an inappropriate manner can file a complaint online by visiting the State Division of Consumer Affairs website or by calling 1-800-242-5846 (toll free within New Jersey) or 973-504- 6200 to receive a paper complaint form by mail.

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The mission of the Division of Consumer Affairs, within the Department of Law and Public Safety, is to protect the public from fraud, deceit, misrepresentation and professional misconduct in the sale of goods and services in New Jersey through education, advocacy, regulation and enforcement. The Division pursues its mission through its 51 professional and occupational boards that oversee 720,000 licensees in the state, its Regulated Business section that oversees 60,000 NJ registered businesses, as well as through its Office of Consumer Protection, Bureau of Securities, Charities Registration section, Office of Weights and Measures, and Legalized Games of Chance section.

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December 22, 2021

Trenton, N.J. – Police Director Steve E. Wilson today announced several recent weapon and drug enforcement actions carried out by TPD, resulting in 9 arrests and the seizure of seven handguns, high-capacity magazines and rounds of ammunition, more than 100 narcotics doses and just under $3,000 in U.S. Currency.

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• Anthony Marshall, 31, of Trenton, was arrested on Nov. 29, 2021 and charged with weapon and drug offenses following a search warrant executed by the TPD Daytime Task Force and Violent Crime Unit on 46 Asbury Street. Approximately 10 grams of crack cocaine, $1,000 in U.S. Currency and a small-caliber handgun were confiscated from the scene. 

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• Angel Jimenez, 20, of Trenton, and five other individuals from Trenton, Jersey City and Hamilton were arrested on Nov. 17, 2021, and charged with theft, trespassing and narcotics offenses following a Daytime Task Force investigation involving the theft of Amazon packages at 214 Rustling Street. Information led officers to 717 Anderson, an abandoned property, where Jimenez along with the five other individuals were located. The stolen contents from the amazon packages were recovered inside of 717 Anderson Street.

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• Richard Nelson, 38, of Trenton, was arrested on Dec. 8, 2021 and charged with burglary after TPD officers were dispatched to a burglary at a business in progress at 1021 East State Street. Officers located the individual behind the building with items from the business after it had closed. 

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• Tariq A. Stephenson, 37, of Trenton, was arrested on Dec. 15, 2021 and charged with weapon and drug offenses after Violent Crimes Detectives received information from a confidential informant regarding a man with a gun. An investigation led officers to Stephenson, who was found to be in possession of a Polymer 80 ghost gun with an extended magazine. Additionally, he was found to be in possession of one Alprazolam pill.

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• Two juvenile defenders, 16 and 17, of Trenton, were arrested on Dec. 19, 2021 and charged with weapon and drug offenses following a Street Crimes Unit motor vehicle stop in front of 6 Kingsbury Square. Upon the arrival of TPD, one of the juvenile defenders ran from the parked vehicle armed with a semi-automatic handgun. Detectives gave chase and apprehended him without incident. 

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• Temaine Pines, 49, of Newark, was arrested on Dec. 19, 2021 after being wanted for multiple attempted homicides. The Fugitive Task Force out of Newark, N.J. needed assistance locating Pines, an interstate fugitive. Pines was located and arrested without incident and was then transported to headquarters for processing and turned over to the Fugitive Task Force personnel. 

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• Abdullah Rasheed, 62 and Andre Riggs 59, of Trenton, were arrested on Dec. 17, 2021 and charged with drug offenses after the Daytime Task Force received numerous complaints from business owners regarding the open distribution of a controlled dangerous substance. Surveillance observed Rasheed making multiple drug transactions in the area of N. Broad Street. A separate surveillance resulted in the arrest of Andre Riggs who was observed engaging in illegal narcotic activity.

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On Sunday December 12, 2021, officers were detailed to 14 Cottage Place on a suicide attempt. Upon arrival, along with assisting units, officers secured a perimeter around the house and placed patrol vehicles at both ends of the street to restrict traffic in the area.  Shortly thereafter, individuals wife arrived on scene and provided TPD with the individuals cell phone number. Officers tried several times to contact the individual, however the phone didn’t ring and went right to the voice mailbox. After securing the scene, officers utilized a marked patrol vehicle’s PA system and attempted to make contact with individual who came to the front window holding his phone. Officers again advised the individual to answer his phone. Officers attempted to call his phone again and this time he answered. Several minutes later, the individual exited the residence and was pat frisked for weapons with negative results. The individual agreed to walk to the ambulance and was transported by TEMS to Capital Health Regional Medical Center (CHRMC) CRISIS Center. Officer’s filed for a Temporary Extreme Risk Protection Order (TERPO). This is another great example of the de-escalation training being put to use in the field by TPD officers.

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December 22, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor W. Reed Gusciora today announced that following an uptick in positive COVID-19 tests for employees, City Hall will be closed until Dec. 27, 2021 so the building can be sanitized as per COVID-19 protocol.

Essential services such as police and fire will continue normally, and additional services will be restored as department employees are cleared for work. Sanitation will continue as scheduled, except Christmas Eve (12/24) and Christmas Day (12/25).

“Due to an uptick in positive cases, a few of our employees will be spending the holiday season in quarantine away from their families,” said Mayor Gusciora. “There is no doubt COVID-19 and its variants still pose a grave risk to our residents. The best way to show your love for your family this season is to get vaccinated, get a booster if you’re eligible, and please get tested and stay away from one other if you exhibit any symptoms.”

Mercer County is approaching the pandemic high of 59 cases per 100,000 realized on Jan. 10, 2021. Currently the area is at 54.1 cases per 100,000. COVID-related hospitalizations at Mercer County hospitals is also now at a seven-day average of 84. It was 20 at the beginning of November. 

According to the N.J. Department of Health, vaccine protection against the virus and the ability to prevent infection may decrease over time. Booster doses provide essential additional protection.  While more than 70 percent of residents have received their primary vaccine series, only 34 percent of residents eligible have received a booster.

The CDC recommends that all individuals 5 and older should get vaccinated. In addition, Pfizer booster doses are available for those ages 16 and older at least six months after completion of their primary Pfizer vaccination. Moderna recipients age 18+ are also eligible six months after completing their primary series, while Johnson & Johnson vaccine recipients age 18+ are eligible at least two months after a one-dose vaccine.

For an updated list of vaccine and booster opportunities in our area as well as testing and other helpful information, visit: https://trentonhealthteam.org/covidvaccine/.

In order to keep loved ones and first responders safe, city residents are asked to follow these recommendations from the CDC, the N.J. Department of Health, and the City of Trenton Department of Health:

• Stay home if you are sick.
• Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds.
• Use hand sanitizer if you’re without soap and water.
• Monitor your health through daily temperature checks and look for signs of COVID-19. Limit your contact with people who exhibit cough, fever, fatigue, chills, loss of taste or smell, diarrhea, vomiting, sore throat, difficulty breathing, congestion and runny nose.
• Practice social distancing by remaining at least six feet apart from other residents and avoiding crowds.
• Wear a face mask in public.

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CAPITAL PHILHARMONIC POSTPONES CONCERT SLATED FOR DEC. 31st

Trenton, N.J. – Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey (CPNJ) announced today that due to increasing challenges from the pandemic and concerns about ensuring the safety of orchestra members and its devoted audience, it has postponed its concert scheduled for New Year’s Eve, 2021.

“This is certainly disappointing to all of us, especially as it concerns this long-standing Trenton tradition.” said Gloria Teti, president of CPNJ. “Throughout this pandemic the board of trustees has consistently and proactively implemented policies that prioritize the health and safety of our orchestra members and our audience. But recent developments involving new COVID variants have raised the possibility that these steps may not be adequate to safeguard our orchestra and audience.”

CPNJ has not yet selected a date for the postponed event. Music Director Daniel Spalding will consult with the orchestra’s board about setting a new date for the postponed concert in Spring 2022. As details are finalized, ticket holders will be notified and offered options for returning or exchanging tickets.

Trenton Mayor Eagerly Anticipates the Return of Capital Philharmonic’s New Year’s Eve Concert

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