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San Marcos Chiropractor Accused of Inappropriately Touching Clients Ordered Not to Practice

Dr. John Michals was arrested on April 25 at his private practice on East San Marcos Boulevard

Three weeks after several women came forward to accuse a San Marcos chiropractor of inappropriately touching them, a judge ordered him not to see patients.

The Board of Chiropractic Examiners began its investigation in early May, when detectives for the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department (SDSO) learned of allegations that Dr. John Michals had inappropriately touched several women who were his clients.

In March, a woman in her mid-30s told deputies she was touched inappropriately during an appointment with Michals.

“Stuff that wouldn’t normally be classified during a chiropractic exam,” Sgt. Daniel Deese said.

Detective Michael Tingley with the SDSO San Marcos substation told NBC 7, the investigation was complete as of Friday, and he had a total of 10 women come forward.

In late April, sheriff’s deputies secured an arrest warrant. On April 25, Michals was arrested at his private practice on East San Marcos Boulevard, north of State Route 78. 

However, deputies said Michals also practiced at North County Health Services at 150 Valpreda Street.

The incidents took place at the North County location, Deese said.

A spokesperson for the District Attorney’s office told NBC 7, Michals was charged two days after his arrest on April 27, for one misdemeanor count of sexual battery.

He posted a $25,000 bail the same day he was arrested.

NBC 7 since learned he was back in custody and booked on Tuesday. The Chiropractic Board also received a restrictive order from a judge the same day. 

In the restrictive order, the judge said Michals is "prohibited from performing any activities for which a chiropractic license is required." 

On May 9, James Boyd, Defense Attorney for Michals sent NBC 7 a statement, which read, "Mr. Michals maintains his innocence. He is adamant that he has done nothing wrong or inappropriate.”

NBC 7 reached out to James Boyd by phone and email on Tuesday for an updated statement, and is still waiting on a response. 

Investigators say anyone with information on this case, or additional cases of sexual battery, can contact Det. Tingley at the San Marcos Sheriff's Station at (760)510-5200.

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