SOMERVILLE — A Somerville man is facing charges after allegedly sexually assaulting two women while operating an unlicensed chiropractic business from his home on Cross Street.
Jose Mendez, 60, has been charged with two counts of indecent assault and battery on a person over 14, indecent exposure, and operating without a chiropractic license, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan announced Tuesday.
According to court documents, one woman reported to police that a friend referred her to Mendez for her knee pain. She stated that during her second visit, Mendez claimed that her knee pain necessitated massaging a nerve extending from her leg to her groin. During this procedure, she alleges that Mendez reached into her underwear and sexually assaulted her.
Another woman alleges that she went to Mendez for back and foot pain relief. During the visit, he asked her to disrobe, groped her, and subsequently exposed himself, demanding oral sex. This woman discovered later that her daughter – who had gone to Mendez for chiropractic services before her – had also been victimized by Mendez.
When confronted with these accusations, Mendez refuted any wrongdoing. He told WCVB reporter Peter Eliopoulos that his contact with clients was limited to non-sensitive areas like thighs, lower legs, and backs. He also denied any claims of indecent exposure or soliciting sexual acts. Mendez, who is primarily a Spanish speaker, conveyed his statements to WCVB through an interpreter.
Mendez was arraigned on April 17 at the Somerville District Court, where his bail was set at $5,500. He was ordered to avoid any contact with the victims and to cease all chiropractic activities. He is due back in court on May 14. Somerville Police urge anyone with information about Mendez’s activities to come forward.
