PORTSMOUTH — The owner of Onsite Family Martial Arts has been charged with multiple assault charges after a month-long investigation into an alleged incident at the store.
Harry Sharash, 67, of Stratham, is charged with three counts of sexual assault, four counts of simple assault and two counts of unlawful chiropractic practice, all misdemeanors, according to Portsmouth police.
Detective Sergeant Kevin McCarthy said that on April 2, an adult victim reported a sexual assault at the martial arts facility. Portsmouth Police conducted an investigation and identified Sharash as the suspect at the Robert Avenue facility.
“Part of it is that he was presenting his actions as a medical intervention rather than something else,” McCarthy explained of the chiropractic medical malpractice charges.
According to a biography on his company's website, Challache has been teaching martial arts for 40 years, having begun training in New York in 1979. He has been teaching students along the coasts since 1989.
Sharash turned himself in to Portsmouth police on Wednesday on $1,000 cash bail, police said. He is scheduled to be arraigned in city district court on July 8.
Attempts to reach Shalashe on Thursday were not immediately successful, and it was not immediately clear whether he has an attorney.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact Detective Matthew Frederickson at (603) 610-7667.
Anonymous tips can be made to Seacoast Crime Stoppers at 603-431-1199, seacoastcrimestoppers.com or through the free, downloadable “P3” phone application. Police say information leading to an arrest and indictment may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
This story may be updated.
