A New Jersey massage therapist has been arrested and charged with sexual assault and criminal sexual contact following allegations involving five female clients at a massage therapy establishment in Somerset County.
According to the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office, Riyas Abdulkhaderkunju, 44, of Plainsboro, allegedly sexually assaulted women while providing massage therapy services at a business along Route 206 in the Skillman section of Montgomery Township. Although prosecutors did not identify the establishment, NJ.com identified it as Hand & Stone Spa.
Abdulkhaderkunju was arrested on September 24, 2026, following an investigation by the Montgomery Township Police Department and the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office Special Victims Unit.
Sexual Assault Allegations Against Massage Therapist Riyas Abdulkhaderkunju
According to authorities, the investigation began on June 26, 2026, when Montgomery Township police responded to a 911 call reporting a sexual assault at a massage therapy establishment in Skillman.
A female client told investigators that Abdulkhaderkunju sexually assaulted her while she was receiving a massage. According to New Jersey 101.5, which reported details from the criminal complaint, the woman alleged that Abdulkhaderkunju touched her breasts without consent and continued sexually assaulting her despite repeated requests to stop.
The woman reportedly pushed Abdulkhaderkunju away and left the treatment room. A receptionist later told investigators that the woman appeared visibly shaken.
During the subsequent investigation, detectives identified and interviewed four additional women who alleged that Abdulkhaderkunju had sexually assaulted them during massage appointments at the same establishment. The women reportedly ranged in age from their late 20s to their late 70s.
Abdulkhaderkunju faces the following criminal charges:
- One count of second-degree sexual assault.
- Five counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact.
Following his arrest, Abdulkhaderkunju was transported to the Somerset County Jail but has since been released pending further court proceedings. As a condition of his release, he is prohibited from contacting the alleged victims.
According to nj.com, a front desk receptionist at Hand & Stone Spa confirmed that Abdulkhaderkunju is no longer employed at the establishment.
Can Hand & Stone Spa Be Held Liable for Sexual Assault?
Massage therapy clients place considerable trust in the professionals providing their treatment. Sessions often involve partial undressing, physical contact, and private treatment rooms, making appropriate professional boundaries and patient safeguards essential.
When a massage therapist is accused of sexual misconduct, questions may arise about whether the business took reasonable steps to protect its clients.
Depending on the circumstances, a civil investigation may examine whether a massage therapy establishment:
- Conducted appropriate background and licensing checks before hiring the therapist.
- Received prior complaints or warning signs involving inappropriate conduct.
- Adequately supervised employees and enforced professional boundaries.
- Maintained appropriate policies and procedures to prevent sexual misconduct.
- Responded promptly and appropriately when allegations were reported.
Whether Hand & Stone Spa or another responsible party could face civil liability would depend on the specific facts, applicable law, and whether any negligence contributed to the alleged abuse. No finding of negligence against the business is established by the criminal allegations alone.
Horowitz Law Is Here to Help
Horowitz Law represents survivors of sexual abuse by massage therapists and other professionals in positions of trust. We have filed numerous sexual assault lawsuits on behalf of individuals subjected to inappropriate sexual conduct while receiving professional services. Clients have the right to receive massage therapy in a safe, respectful environment free from sexual misconduct.
If you experienced inappropriate sexual conduct involving Riyas Abdulkhaderkunju at Hand & Stone Spa, or believe you were sexually assaulted by another massage therapist, please contact Horowitz Law at 888-283-9922 or email sexual abuse lawyer Adam Horowitz for a free consultation.