Murrieta acupuncturist charged with sexual assault of patient

MURIETA, Calif. — A Murrieta acupuncturist was jailed Tuesday after pleading not guilty to four felonies, including sexual assault of a patient.

The charges follow another incident in 2022 at the defendant’s Maum Acupuncture Clinic, which also led to his arrest on sexual assault charges.

The latest investigation into Jin-wook Choi, 67, of Murrieta, began Dec. 4 when a female patient of his came to the Murrieta Police Department and was sexually assaulted by him at his clinic, located at 40250 Murrieta Hot Springs Road, Suite 105. It all started when he reported being physically assaulted. In Marieta.

Choi was already on Murrieta PD’s radar. On March 30, 2022, he allegedly committed a misdemeanor sexual assault at his own clinic and was subsequently arrested and charged. However, as the case worked its way through the legal system, he was released from custody on his own recognizance. Defendant Choi has pleaded not guilty to the single charge.

In the latest incident, Choi allegedly assaulted a female patient while treating her at his clinic on December 4th. Choi was arrested at his clinic on January 4 following an investigation by Murrieta police. According to law enforcement, detectives executed a search warrant at the store and collected evidence believed to be relevant to the investigation.

Mr. Choi remains in custody at the Cois M. Byrd Detention Center on $1 million bail. He now faces additional charges of disorderly conduct, rape, sodomy and assault with intent to engage in oral copulation. sexual battery. Sexual violence against a medically incapacitated person. There have also been sexual assaults involving unconscious people. The latest charges are all felonies.

He was also charged with a sentencing enhancement for committing a crime in violation of the conditions of his release related to an incident on March 30, 2022.

According to the California Acupuncture Board’s online system, Choi holds a valid license to practice in the state. First issued in 2010, it expires on November 30, 2025.

Choi is scheduled to appear in court on January 18th to attend a felony settlement conference regarding the latest charges.

The investigation into suspect Choi is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Jason Calvertat at 951-461-6359 or JCalvert@murrietaca.gov or Sergeant Miguel Garcia at 951-461-6362 or Mgarcia@murrietaca.gov.

Correction: This article has been updated to reflect that Choi is licensed to practice in California, according to the California Board of Acupuncture. An earlier version of the article said Choi was not listed in CAB’s online records.