Jury clears massage therapist Asmar Berry of sex-assault charge

Jim Walsh
The Courier-Post

TRENTON – A Clementon man has been cleared of charges he sexually assaulted a woman during a massage at a Mercer County spa.

A Superior Court jury in Trenton acquitted Asmar Berry on two counts of sexual assault and three counts of criminal sexual contact, according to court records.

Berry, a message therapist, was arrested in October 2018 after a client accused him of inappropriately touching her at Renewed Spa Massage in Pennington.

The jury deliberated for 90 minutes before returning its verdict on Wednesday, said Berry’s attorney, Mark G. Davis of Hamilton.

More:Feds plan retrial for former Bordentown Township police chief Frank Nucera Jr.

More:Man sought after assault, theft at Cherry Hill Wawa

A statement issued on Berry’s behalf said he is “immensely grateful that justice was served and that the false allegations were brought to light.”

Berry will seek restoration of his professional license, which he voluntarily suspended after his arrest, the statement said.

Asmar Berry

The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office had asserted Berry “touched the intimate parts of the victim without her consent” during an incident in September.

Berry’s statement said the "false accusations" had “egregiously tarnished” his reputation.

“Since these allegations were filed, Mr. Berry has since been suspended from his place of employment of 11 years and endured lost wages,” it said. “While this is seemingly over with, rebuilding his life is on the forefront.”

The jury’s verdict did not resolve the conflicting views between Berry and the prosecutor’s office.

Assistant Mercer County Prosecutor Timothy Ward, who tried the case, commended Berry’s customer “for coming forward and having the courage to testify.”

“I’m only sorry I couldn’t secure for her the justice she deserved,” he said.

In contrast, Berry’s statement said the “defamation of his character” by the prosecutor’s office and the accuser “will not go unnoticed.”

Jim Walsh is a free-range reporter who’s been roaming around South Jersey for decades. His interests include crime, the courts, economic development and being first with breaking news. Reach him at jwalsh@gannettnj.com or look for him in traffic.

Help support local journalism with a Courier-Post subscription.

More:Jonte Rice of Willingboro fatally shot at Palmyra house party

More:Police seek public's help after Camden Avenue shooting in Pennsauken

More:Police: Forgotten backpack leads to Sicklerville man's arrest

More:Former soccer coach accused of soliciting explicit photos from boys