Acupuncturist Arrested on Sexual Battery Charges Following Investigation in Murrieta

“Murrieta, CA – On Monday, December 4, 2023, a female victim came to the lobby of the Murrieta Police Department to report she was sexually assaulted by an Acupuncturist while receiving treatment at Maum Acupuncture Clinic, located at 40250 Murrieta Hot Springs Road, Suite #105, in the City of Murrieta. Murrieta Police Department Detectives assumed the investigation the following day.

Detectives interviewed the victim, who identified the Acupuncturist as Jin Wook CHOI. He is a 67-year-old male from Murrieta. During the investigation, Detectives learned CHOI was listed as a suspect in a previous sexual battery at the same location in March of 2022. That incident was also investigated by the Murrieta Police Department and was filed with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. CHOl is scheduled to appear for arraignment on that case later this month. Based on the two investigations, Detectives developed probable cause to arrest CHOI and to obtain a search warrant for the business.

On Thursday, January 4, 2024, Detectives arrested CHOI at the acupuncture clinic. Detectives subsequently served a search warrant at the business and collected evidence believed to be related to the investigation. CHOI was later interviewed and charged with 243.4(b) PC (Sexual Battery). A declaration in support of increased bail for $1,000,000.00 was obtained, and CHOI was booked at Cois M. Byrd Detention Center.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Jason Calvert at (951) 461-6359 or JCalvert@murrietaca.gov or Detective Sergeant Miguel Garcia at (951) 461-6362 or Mgarcia@murrietaca.gov.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Lieutenant Brendan Carney
2 Town Square, Murrieta, CA 92562
(951) 461-6358 bcarney@murrietaca.gov”