Trenton, NJ city worker disciplined after video of racy massage

TRENTON — A city employee is reportedly facing disciplinary action after a video of her racy cellulite-reduction massage on taxpayer time garnered widespread attention.

The Trentonian reported that Public Health Officer Yvette Graffie-Cooper has been suspended. A source confirmed to New Jersey 101.5 that a disciplinary hearing for Graffie-Cooper was held on May 3.

Posted to Facebook on Feb. 24, the video shows the city worker in only her black undergarments.

In the video, a masseuse can be seen using several devices including an electric wand on different parts of Graffie-Cooper's exposed skin. The health officer can be seen in various positions, including bent over a table.

Trenton Public Health Officer Yvette Graffie-Cooper was reportedly taped getting a cellulite treatment at the city Health Center in February 2022. (City of Trenton/WisdomBody)

The apparent demonstration of cellulite-reduction techniques was held during work hours in a conference room on the second floor of the city Department of Health and Human Services building, according to Councilwoman Robin Vaughn.

Several other city employees looked on while the massage took place. Some smiled, laughed, and appeared to cheer on Graffie-Cooper.

But Vaughn raised concerns that some of the employees may not have watched voluntarily.

"There’s a whole level of issues along with civil rights violations potentially," Vaughn told NJ Advance Media. "You have employees sitting there — her subordinates. Were they forced to sit there or even if they weren’t did they raise an issue? Were they retaliated against?"

Trenton city employees watch as Public Health Officer Yvette Graffie-Cooper receives a cellulite-reduction massage. (WisdomBody)

The duration of Graffie-Cooper's purported suspension is not publicly known. It will be staggered over several weeks to diminish the impact on Trenton's public health services, according to the Trentonian.

New Jersey 101.5 has filed an OPRA request with the Civil Service Commission for more information on the May 3 disciplinary hearing.

State records show Graffie-Cooper made $98,006 in 2021. The 19-year employee's salary reportedly increased to $104,137 this year.

Rick Rickman is a reporter for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at richard.rickman@townsquaremedia.com

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These are the best hiking spots in New Jersey

A trip to New Jersey doesn't have to be all about the beach. Our state has some incredible trails, waterfalls, and lakes to enjoy.

From the Pine Barrens to the Appalachian Trail to the hidden gems of New Jersey, you have plenty of options for a great hike. Hiking is such a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature, plus it's a great workout.

Before you go out on the trails and explore some of our listeners' suggestions, I have some tips on hiking etiquette from the American Hiking Society.

If you are going downhill and run into an uphill hiker, step to the side and give the uphill hiker space. A hiker going uphill has the right of way unless they stop to catch their breath.

Always stay on the trail, you may see side paths, unless they are marked as an official trail, steer clear of them. By going off-trail you may cause damage to the ecosystems around the trail, the plants, and wildlife that live there.

You also do not want to disturb the wildlife you encounter, just keep your distance from the wildlife and continue hiking.

Bicyclists should yield to hikers and horses. Hikers should also yield to horses, but I’m not sure how many horses you will encounter on the trails in New Jersey.

If you are thinking of bringing your dog on your hike, they should be leashed, and make sure to clean up all pet waste.

Lastly, be mindful of the weather, if the trail is too muddy, it's probably best to save your hike for another day.

I asked our listeners for their suggestions of the best hiking spots in New Jersey, check out their suggestions: