North County Chiropractor Accused Of Groping Female Patients

SAN MARCOS, CA -- San Diego County sheriff's detectives investigating accusations by three women that a North County chiropractor groped them during treatments asked any other alleged victims Tuesday to come forward.

John Charles Michals, 42, who practices at two separate locations in San Marcos, was arrested last Tuesday on suspicion of committing sexual battery on a patient in March, according to sheriff's officials. He has since bailed out of jail and pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor count.

Since then, two other women have reported similar offenses allegedly suffered during sessions with Michals, one last year and the other in 2015, Detective Michael Tingley said.

"Because of this, we believe there may be additional victims who have yet to report," the detective said.

According to Tingley, Michals is a licensed chiropractor practicing in two San Marcos locations: the North County Health Services Department, at 150 Valpreda St.; and his private practice, at 100 E. San Marcos Blvd.

Anyone with information pertaining to the case was asked to contact Tingley at 760-510-5200.

By City News Service and Maggie Avants

Patch file photo by Maggie Avants