PORTSMOUTH — The owner of Onsite Family Martial Arts has been indicted on multiple assault charges following a month-long investigation into incidents that allegedly occurred at the store.
According to Portsmouth police, Harry Shalash, 67, of Stratham, is charged with three counts of sexual assault, four counts of simple assault and two counts of unlawful chiropractic medical practice, all misdemeanors.
Detective Sergeant Kevin McCarthy said an adult victim reported a sexual assault at the martial arts facility on April 2. Portsmouth police investigated and identified Chalash as a suspect at the Robert Avenue facility.
“One of the things that's happened in this case is he presented what he did as a medical intervention as opposed to anything else,” McCarthy said, explaining the charge of illegally practicing chiropractic medicine.
According to a biography on his company's website, Challache has been teaching martial arts for 40 years, having started training in New York in 1979. He has been teaching students along the coasts since 1989.
Police said Shalashe turned himself in to Portsmouth police on Wednesday and posted $1,000 bail. He is scheduled to be arraigned in Portsmouth 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.
This article originally appeared in the Portsmouth Herald: Portsmouth martial arts centre owner charged with sexual assault
