Manhattan Beach child therapist faces federal charges for allegedly recording patients in clinic bathroom

Therapist accused of recording kids in bathroom

A Manhattan Beach therapist is facing federal charges after investigators accused him of secretly recording young girls inside a clinic bathroom.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, Calif. - A Manhattan Beach therapist who worked with children is facing federal child pornography charges after investigators accused him of secretly recording young girls inside a bathroom at the clinic where he worked at the time.

What we know:

Federal prosecutors say there are at least eight known child victims, ranging in age from 8 to 12 years old, and investigators fear there could be more.

"According to a newly unsealed federal criminal complaint, 30-year-old Joseph Toews allegedly hid cameras at his place of work in 2023. He has since switched jobs, most recently working at Neuro Wellness Spa, where the federal raid took place."

What they're saying:

"That stall that was used for these videos was in his place of work, where he worked in therapy," said Clifford Mpare, an assistant U.S. Attorney with the Central District of California. Mpare further clarified that there "wasn’t anything found in our search of his newer office space at Neuro Wellness and the videos had been recorded at a separate place of work."

Federal investigators say the FBI recovered at least 11 videos involving eight different children.

"FBI and their diligent searching were able to find at least 11 different videos of eight different young children in the bathroom stall with various portions of themselves exposed or able to be seen," Mpare said.

Investigators say the recordings were discovered during an FBI raid at the building of a prior employers just weeks ago. Exclusive photos shared with FOX 11 show agents searching the office.

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"I saw about 10 different officers. They brought in a dog. I had no idea what was going on," said Tabitha Fowler, who works in the same building.

Federal prosecutors also accuse Toews of purchasing child sexual abuse material through dark web websites using Bitcoin. According to investigators, forensic analysis of his electronic devices allegedly uncovered additional explicit videos involving minors.

"Your therapist is one of the people you hope to confide in more than almost anyone," Mpare said. "To use that position to exploit young children for personal gain is just horrific."

Workers and visitors inside the searched building described shock after learning about the allegations.

"It really creeps me out," Fowler said. "I’ve seen him in passing, but never really talked to the guy. Just sad."

"Very, very disgusting that someone would do something like that," said an anonymous clinic visitor.

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"I hope he goes to prison for what he did," another worker told FOX 11.

Neuro Wellness Spa issues a statement

The company issued a statement to FOX 11 Friday.

"Neuro Wellness Spa, which prioritizes patient safety, the highest professional standards, and quality of care, was shocked when it learned about the arrest of a former employee who worked at the company as an associate therapist for less than two years. NWS does not treat any patients under the age of twelve and during his limited time there he never saw any non-adult patients. Neuro Wellness Spa was unaware of these actions which are entirely unrelated to his past role there and has and will continue to cooperate with law enforcement on this matter."

What's next:

Toews is expected to formally plead guilty in the coming weeks and could face up to 30 years in federal prison.

*Editor's note: This story has been updated to clarify where the child sexual abuse material was found.