WALL TOWNSHIP — Police charged Stefan J. Barnes Jr., 31, of Manchester, with criminal sexual contact and sexual assault on June 6 following an investigation of an incident that took place on May 23 at Massage Heights massage parlor, at 2157 Route 35 in Wall Township.
The criminal charges were filed after a 23-year-old female client at Massage Heights was interviewed by Wall Ptl. David Smithman at Wall Township Police Headquarters. There, the woman stated that earlier in the evening, she had attended a massage session at Massage Heights and that Mr. Barnes, an employee of Massage Heights, was her massage therapist. During the massage, she claimed Mr. Barnes reportedly touched her inappropriately in the groin area on two separate occasions during the session.
The investigation conducted by Wall Township Police Department’s Patrolman David Smithman and Detective Shane Roland led to the arrest of Mr. Barnes on Tuesday, June 6, 2023.
Mr. Barnes was taken into custody without incident and was later transported to Monmouth County Correctional Institution. According to Capt. Chad Clark, Mr. Barnes was released, without bail, after an initial court appearance in Monmouth County. The date of his upcoming court hearing is yet to be released. “It could take a few months before [Barnes’] next court appearance,” said Capt. Clark.
“If anyone has been victimized by Mr. Barnes or anyone at a massage parlor, please feel free to reach out,” said the Captain.
Capt. Clark also said a second victim has since filed another complaint against Mr. Barnes with the police department.
“A lot of times victims don’t come forward for whatever reason…please come forward to [Wall Police Department] and we will fully investigate,” said Capt. Clark.
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