Criminally charged massage therapist now faces disciplinary action

Several months after he was criminally charged with sexual abuse and assault, an Iowa massage therapist is now facing sanctions from a state licensing board.

The Iowa Board of Massage Therapy has charged Jaden L. Wood, 24, of Cedar Rapids, with unethical conduct, including improper sexual contact with a patient, professional incompetence, and negligence in the practice of the profession.

A hearing on the matter is scheduled for Oct. 20, 2026.

While the board publicly disclosed the charges against Wood only this week, state records indicate the panel approved the charges four months ago in April 2026.

The board has not disclosed when or how the alleged conduct that gave rise to the charges occurred. However, in November 2025, Linn County prosecutors charged Wood with felony sexual abuse in the third degree, assault with intent to commit sexual abuse and two counts of assault.

Prosecutors allege that in June 2025, Wood sexually abused a woman at the Hands in Harmony massage parlor located at 1615 32nd St. NE, Cedar Rapids.

Court records indicate the alleged victim reported to the Cedar Rapids Police Department that Wood was giving her a massage when he placed his hands under her underwear and massaged her buttocks, then squeezed her breasts, and then placed one of her hands on his penis while he remained fully clothed.

Wood has pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges. A trial in the matter is scheduled for Feb. 9, 2027.