Boston acupuncturist charged with touching patient inappropriately

BOSTON — An acupuncturist with offices in Boston and Needham is charged with touching one of his patients inappropriately.

Dr. John Zhang appeared in court Tuesday, accused of touching one of his 31-year-old female patients while he was helping her deal with a tennis elbow injury.

"The defendant stood behind her, put his right arm under her arm, and put his hand on her mouth while his left hand under her shirt," said Suffolk County ADA Christina Juitt.

Boston Police say the woman had acupuncture appointment with Zhang in November at his Whittier Place office in downtown Boston. The victim told police when Zhang removed the acupuncture needles he had her stand up and then he started fondling her.

"The defendant then pressed his body against the victim in this case and she could feel he was aroused," said Juitt.

Boston 25 News tried speaking with Zhang as he left court, but he would not comment. His attorney says the acupuncture business is closed while the case is pending.

In court, his attorney told the judge his client has never been in trouble.

"He has significant roots in the community. Married with a couple of children," said defense attorney Stephen Neyman.

A woman who works at a neighboring business to Zhang's Needham office just heard about the charges and told us, "I wouldn't have thought that of him."

Zhang is due back in court in April and has been ordered to stay away from the alleged victim.

Cox Media Group