Franklin Lakes Massage Therapist Charged With Rubbing Client Wrong Way

Kewin Sepulveda, 29, of Paterson “engaged in sexual activity with an individual while giving a massage” at the Hand and Stone Spa in the Franklin Crossing shopping center off Franklin Avenue, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said.

The alleged victim went to Franklin Lakes police, who notified his office, the prosecutor said.

An investigation by detectives from Musella’s Special Victims Unit and borough police led to the sexual assault charge, he said.

Sepulveda, who had an unspecified outstanding warrant out of Elmwood Park, was sent to the Bergen County Jail following his arrest on Thursday, Jan. 18, records show.

A judge ordered him released, pending further court action, the following day.

Cindy Meiskin, who is described as the "chief experience officer" at Hand & Stone, issued a statement on behalf of the spa on Monday, Jan. 22:

"Hand & Stone has an uncompromising commitment to creating and maintaining a safe and respectful environment for its guests and service providers. When the franchise owner of the Franklin Lakes, New Jersey Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa learned of the allegations brought against Kewin Sepulveda on Jan. 18, 2024, the massage therapist’s employment was terminated. The accused is not permitted to return to the spa, as Hand & Stone has a zero-tolerance policy related to inappropriate behavior.

"The Franklin Lakes Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa is an independently owned and operated franchise location. Franchisees adhere to a rigorous spa safety program designed to prioritize the safety of its guests and service providers. All franchise locations are trained on strict hiring and screening tools, therapist training and prevention, reporting and investigation policies.

"Additionally, all Hand & Stone guests are provided with a Customer Bill of Rights when they enter the spa and are informed by the massage therapist that an attention button exists under the table if they or the therapist becomes uncomfortable. This is a core part of our spa processes, as it aims to provide a safe and professional experience to all of our customers."

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