In a shocking turn of events, a 60-year-old man from Somerville has been arrested for posing as a chiropractor and sexually assaulting women who sought treatment at his unlicensed business. According to the Middlesex District Attorney’s office, Jose Mendez allegedly inappropriately touched two women who came to his home on Cross Street for chiropractic treatment.
The disturbing incident came to light when one woman, who was suffering from back and foot pain, visited Mendez’s home for treatment. During the session, Mendez asked her to remove her shorts and underwear, even though she insisted that it was unnecessary since she didn’t have any problems in that area. Shockingly, Mendez proceeded to grab her inappropriately and exposed himself to her. The traumatized woman reported the incident to the police after discovering that her daughter had also visited Mendez and experienced a similar inappropriate encounter.
Investigations revealed that Mendez had been operating his unlicensed chiropractic business through word of mouth. He was charged with two counts of indecent assault and battery on a person over 14, indecent exposure, and operating as an unlicensed chiropractor during his arraignment in Somerville District Court on April 17. Mendez vehemently denied the allegations, claiming that he never touched anyone inappropriately. However, court documents and the victims’ testimonies paint a different picture.
Mendez’s bail has been set at $5,500, and he has been ordered to stay away from the alleged victims and refrain from practicing as a chiropractor. He is scheduled to appear in court again on May 14. The seriousness of the charges against him cannot be understated, as he stands accused of violating the trust and well-being of vulnerable individuals seeking medical assistance.
The impact of this shocking revelation has left the community shaken. Local resident Laura Gelb expressed her concerns, stating, “Especially as a young woman, that’s really terrifying and I hope that the survivors get the help that they need.” The emotional toll on the victims cannot be underestimated, and it is crucial that they receive the necessary support and care to recover from this traumatizing experience.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about Mendez or his unlicensed chiropractic operation to come forward and contact the Somerville Police at 617-625-1600 x7278. It is essential to uncover any additional victims or details that may aid in the investigation.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of verifying credentials and seeking licensed professionals for any medical treatments. The safety and well-being of patients must always be the top priority, and incidents like these highlight the need for stricter regulations and oversight within the healthcare industry.
As this case unfolds, it is imperative that the legal system ensures justice for the victims and sends a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated. The community must come together to support the survivors and work towards preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future.
