Portsmouth martial arts owner charged with sex assault, posing as chiropractor
PORTSMOUTH — The owner of On-Site Family Martial Arts has been charged with forcibly fondling a woman at his business while mispresenting himself as a chiropractor.
Harry Charache, a 67-year-old Stratham resident, faces three counts of sexual assault, four counts of simple assault and two counts of illegally performing chiropractic medicine, according to the Portsmouth Police Department. All the charges are misdemeanors.
Detective Sgt. Kevin McCarthy said a single alleged victim reported on April 2 a sexual assault had occurred at the martial arts facility. Portsmouth police investigated and identified Charache as the alleged perpetrator at the Robert Avenue business.
The Class A misdemeanor simple and sexual assault charges against Charache allege he “knowingly cause(d) unprivileged physical contact” with the victim, a woman, by kissing her neck, touching her private areas, above and below her waist, and beneath her underwear, a complaint states in court records. The sexual assault complaints allege forcible fondling by Charache.
The unlawful practice of chiropractic medicine charges against him are Class B misdemeanors and allege the business owner attempted “adjusting the neck and back” of the victim for the “restoration and maintenance” of her health.
“Part of all this was that he was presenting his actions as a medical intervention as opposed to anything else,” McCarthy said, explaining the charges of unlawful practice of chiropractic medicine.
According to his biography on his business’ website, Charache has taught martial arts for 40 years after starting training in New York in 1979. Charache has taught students in the Seacoast since 1989.
Charache turned himself in to Portsmouth police Wednesday, posting a $1,000 cash bail, according to police. He is scheduled to be arraigned July 8 at the city district court.
Charache has not responded to a request for comment. Court records do not list an attorney for him.
Police ask anyone with information to contact detective Matthew Frederickson at (603) 610-7667.
Anonymous tips can be reported via Seacoast Crime Stoppers at (603) 431-1199, at seacoastcrimestoppers.com or through “P3” phone application available as a free download. Rewards of up to $1,000 may be paid for information leading to an arrest or indictment, according to police.
If you need help
Seacoast Media Group provides the following information as a public service when reporting on cases of alleged sexual violence:
Haven is a violence prevention and support service for men, women and children affected by domestic and sexual violence. Haven’s 24-hour hotline is 1-603-994-SAFE (7233). This is a confidential crisis support line in the Seacoast and Rochester region staffed by trained advocates. Information: havennh.org
This story may be updated.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Portsmouth martial arts center owner charged with sex assault
