PORTSMOUTH — The owner of Onsite Family Martial Arts has been charged with forcibly fondling a woman in his shop while falsely representing himself as a chiropractor.
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 a 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.
The Class A misdemeanor simple and sexual assault charges against Challache allege he “intentionally caused inappropriate physical contact” with the female victim by kissing her neck and touching her genitals above and below her waist and underneath her underwear, the complaint states. The sexual assault complaint alleges forcible fondling by Challache.
The charge of unlawful chiropractic medical practice against him is a Class B misdemeanor, and the business owner allegedly attempted to perform “neck and back adjustments” to “restore and maintain” the victim's health.
“One of the reasons for this is that he presented what he did as a medical intervention as nothing 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, beginning his training in New York in 1979. He has been teaching students on both 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.
Shalashe did not respond to requests for comment, and court records do not list an attorney for him.
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.
If you need help
Seacoast Media Group provides the following information as a public service when reporting on cases of suspected sexual violence.
Haven is a violence prevention and support service for men, women and children who have been victims of domestic and sexual violence. Haven's 24-hour hotline is 1-603-994-SAFE (7233). It is a confidential crisis support line staffed by trained advocates in the Seacoast and Rochester areas. Information: havennh.org
This story may be updated.
This article originally appeared in the Portsmouth Herald: Portsmouth martial arts centre owner charged with sexual assault
