Massage Therapist Charged With Sexual Assault
In June, a 28-year-old licensed massage therapist was arrested for sexually assaulting one of his customers. Now, he’s been re-arrested for committing the same crime on another unsuspecting woman. While the culprit is now safely behind bars, there’s still a lot of work that needs to be done to clean up New Jersey’s massage rooms across the state.
NJ Massage Therapist Arrested for Sexual Assault for Second Time in Two Months
Jonathan Higgins, the suspect, was arrested on Friday after an unidentified woman reached out to the authorities. According to the woman, Higgins penetrated her during what was supposed to be a massage back in May. The suspect was working as a massage therapist at the Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa when the crime occurred. This woman is the second victim to come forward alleging assault. According to the spa where Higgins had been working, he’s been taken off the schedule. They also reported that Higgins had a valid license, which was obtained in 2016, and he had passed all background checks prior to becoming employed.
Steps to Take After an Assault
Experiencing sexual assault is traumatic. Often, the person feels scared and alone. Here’s what the New Jersey State Police suggest doing after experiencing an assault:
- Get away from the abuser as soon as possible
- Get to a phone as soon as possible and reach out to the police
- Do not bathe, change clothes, brush your teeth or anything that could destroy evidence
- Get medical attention and seek testing for potential STDs
- Reach out for emotional support (friends, family, and sexual violence agencies)
It’s normal to feel afraid. It’s also natural to want to avoid going to the police about what happened. If you go to the doctor as soon as possible, then the police may be able to obtain DNA from the suspect. This evidence could prove invaluable in tracking down your offender.
How Can an Attorney Help?
This type of crime is an intentional act that inflicts serious injuries onto the victim. If you or a loved one was injured by a sexual assault, then don’t hesitate to seek out justice. In addition to the criminal penalties imposed on the suspect, victims also have recourse in civil court. Pursuing a personal injury claim against the culprit will force them to financially pay for the horrible act they committed. An experienced attorney can help you receive the rightful compensation you deserve.
Contact a Chatham Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Sexual Abuse Case in New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to sexual abuse in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The certified attorneys at Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari represent clients injured because of sexual abuse in Chatham, Sea Girt, Jersey City, North Bergen and throughout NJ. Call 973-845-4421 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at One Main Street, Chatham, NJ 07928 as well as offices in Sea Girt, North Bergen and Jersey City.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.