Murrieta Acupuncturist Charged With Sexually Assaulting Patient

MURRIETA, CA — A Murrieta acupuncturist is behind bars after pleading not guilty Tuesday to four felony counts involving sexual assault of a patient.

The charges follow a separate 2022 incident at the defendant’s Maum Acupuncture Clinic that also led to his arrest on suspicion of sexual battery.

The latest investigation into Jin Wook Choi, 67, of Murrieta began Dec. 4 when a female patient of his came to the Murrieta Police Department to report she was sexually assaulted by him at his clinic located at 40250 Murrieta Hot Springs Road, Suite 105, in Murrieta.

Choi was already on Murrieta PD’s radar. On March 30, 2022, he allegedly committed misdemeanor sexual battery at his clinic and was subsequently arrested and charged in the case. However, he was released from custody on his own recognizance while that case has winded through the legal system. Choi pleaded not guilty to the solo charge.

In the latest incident, Choi allegedly assaulted the female patient while he treated her at his clinic on Dec. 4. Following an investigation by Murrieta police, Choi was arrested Jan. 4 at his clinic. Detectives served a search warrant at the business and collected evidence believed to be related to the investigation, according to the law enforcement agency.

Choi remains held at Cois M. Byrd Detention Center on $1 million bail. He is now additionally charged with assault with intent to commit mayhem, rape, sodomy, oral copulation; sexual battery; sexual battery on a medically incapacitated person; and sexual battery involving an unconscious person. The latest charges are all felonies.

He was also charged with a sentencing enhancement of committing the alleged crimes while violating the terms of his jail release tied to a March 30, 2022 incident.

According to the California Acupuncture Board’s online system, no person by the name of Jin Wook Choi holds a current, valid license to practice in the state. Choi’s Maum Acupuncture Clinic is not listed in the state’s online records.

Choi is scheduled to appear in court Jan. 18 for a felony settlement conference on the latest charges.

The investigation into Choi is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Jason Calvertat 951-461-6359 or [email protected], or Detective Sergeant Miguel Garcia at 951-461-6362 [email protected].