News Summary
Dana Piper, a 63-year-old massage therapist, has pleaded guilty to aggravated assault following allegations of inappropriate conduct during therapy sessions. The Kent County Sheriff’s Office found substantial evidence against him, including unauthorized physical contact and improper practices, leading to the suspension of his massage therapy license. Piper initially faced more severe charges, but accepted a plea deal, resulting in a lesser misdemeanor conviction. A sentencing hearing is set for November 2025, as the case raises awareness of professional conduct standards in the massage therapy field.
Grand Rapids Township – A 63-year-old massage therapist, Dana Piper, has pled guilty to an aggravated assault charge following complaints from a patient regarding inappropriate behavior during a massage therapy session. The case emerged after allegations surfaced in early 2024, prompting an investigation by the Kent County Sheriff’s Office.
During the investigation, authorities found substantial evidence indicating that Piper had engaged in unprofessional conduct. It was reported that he improperly removed sheets covering the patient and made unauthorized physical contact in areas not typically involved in professional massage therapy. Furthermore, Piper suggested a treatment referred to as “pelvic floor therapy,” which is explicitly prohibited for licensed massage therapists in the state of Michigan by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
Piper faced severe initial charges, including criminal sexual conduct in the fourth degree, which is classified as a high-court misdemeanor with a penalty of up to two years in prison. However, in August 2025, he accepted a plea deal that resulted in a conviction for aggravated assault, which is a lesser misdemeanor charge. This charge carries a maximum sentence of one year in jail.
According to records from the state, Piper’s massage therapy license has been suspended, effectively barring him from practicing. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for November 2025, where details regarding his punishment will be determined.
Investigation Documentation
The investigation was initiated after a patient reported the inappropriate behavior during a therapy session. This prompted the Kent County Sheriff’s Office to delve deeper into the allegations, revealing troubling patterns of conduct that starkly contradicted standards expected in the massage therapy profession.
Legal Consequences
Initial legal proceedings indicated the seriousness with which law enforcement and regulatory bodies in Michigan approach allegations of unprofessional conduct in therapeutic settings. The transition from a more serious charge to a plea deal highlights the complexities often involved in legal cases, where negotiations can lead to reduced charges based on various factors, including the nature of the offense and the court’s discretion.
Impact on the Profession
This case serves as a crucial reminder of the need for ethical standards and professional conduct within the massage therapy community. Licensed massage therapists in Michigan and throughout the United States are held to strict codes of conduct designed to protect client welfare, highlighting the significant responsibilities these professionals bear in safeguarding client trust and safety.
Community Response
The reaction from the community and colleagues in the massage therapy field has been one of concern and disappointment. Incidents of this nature can have lasting repercussions on the reputation of the profession and the trust that clients place in licensed therapists. It underscores the importance of awareness and vigilance among both practitioners and clients regarding boundaries and acceptable practices in therapeutic settings.
Conclusion
As Dana Piper prepares for the upcoming sentencing hearing, the details surrounding his case will continue to be of interest to both the local community and the broader field of massage therapy. The outcome may influence future cases and discussions about professional conduct standards within the industry, ensuring that similar incidents are less likely to occur.
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Additional Resources
- WZZM: Grand Rapids Township Massage Therapist Pleads Guilty
- Fox17: Massage Therapist Takes Plea Deal
- MLive: Massage Therapist Pleads in Patient’s Assault
- WoodTV: Deputies Massage Therapist Pleads to Assaulting Client
- Detroit Free Press: John Ashby Massage Therapist Case
- Wikipedia: Massage Therapist
- Google Search: Massage Therapy Ethics
- Google Scholar: Massage Therapy Professional Conduct
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Massage
- Google News: Massage Therapist Assault
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
