Somerville man charged for allegedly assaulting women while posing as chiropractor

A Somerville man is facing charges for allegedly assaulting two women on different occasions while posing as a chiropractor.

Jose Mendez, 60, was arraigned Wednesday on two counts of indecent assault and battery on a person over 14, indecent exposure, and operating as an unlicensed chiropractor.

A preliminary investigation by authorities indicates that Mendez ran an unlicensed chiropractic business out of his Cross Street home and on two separate instances, assaulted women who entered the residence for treatment, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Somerville police said in a release.

Both victims said Mendez inappropriately touched them, according to authorities. One of the victims also alleged that Mendez unzipped his pants and exposed himself to her.

Authorities said they believe Mendez had depended on word of mouth and referrals within the community to operate his business.

They urge anyone with information about Mendez or his unlicensed chiropractic business to call Somerville police at 617-625-1600 x7278.

At last week’s arraignment in Somerville District Court, a judge ordered Mendez held on $5,500 bail with the conditions that he stay away from his alleged victims and not practice as a chiropractor.

He is expected back in court May 14.