Joseph Toews Arrested by FBI for Secretly Filming Young Girls in Bathroom

Joseph Toews, Manhattan Beach Therapist, Accused of Secretly Recording Underage Girls at Neuro Wellness Spa in Manhattan Beach

MANHATTAN BEACH, CALIFORNIA (June 29, 2026) – A Manhattan Beach child therapist identified as Joseph Toews has been arrested by the FBI following allegations he recorded underage girls in the bathroom of Neuro Wellness Spa.

Manhattan Beach officials are saying that the arrest took place in May. Joseph Toews was arrested by the FBI and indicted by a grand jury. 

He has been charged with producing child pornography by setting up a secret camera in a public bathroom. The victims in this case are between the ages of 8 and 12 years old. 

Investigators are also alleging that Joseph Toews purchased child pornography on the dark web through Bitcoin. The Neuro Wellness Spa said that they were shocked by the news of his arrest. 

Apparently, the defendant worked at the business for less than two years. Neuro Wellness Spa said that they are cooperating with the FBI.

A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Liability for Manhattan Beach Child Sexual Abuse

Business owners have a legal obligation to protect patrons from reasonably foreseeable sources of harm. According to California Civil Code 1714, “Everyone is responsible, not only for the result of his or her willful acts, but also for an injury occasioned to another by his or her want of ordinary care or skill in the management of his or her property or person, except so far as the latter has, willfully or by want of ordinary care, brought the injury upon himself or herself.” This includes protecting against criminal activity. Businesses should take several measures to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation.

• Screening: Business owners should ensure that they properly screen all potential employees. This requires that they perform a thorough background check and follow up on all references.
• Training: Business owners should train all of their employees to spot the signs of potential abuse and misconduct.
• Reporting: Business owners should have reporting procedures where any potential misconduct can be anonymously reported.
• Safeguarding: Business owners should have numerous safeguarding procedures that prevent adults from being alone with vulnerable patients and children.

Depending on the facts of any case, a therapy business or other medical provider could be liable if one of their workers sexually exploited a child. Liability will typically follow if the perpetrator was negligently retained or hired. When evaluating whether or not any perpetrator was negligently retained, it matters whether or not employers knew or should have known that the individual in question posed a risk of harm.

Gathering Evidence After Child Sexual Abuse

Children are taught to obey adults and other authority figures. They are uniquely vulnerable to sexual abuse and exploitation. According to one study in Science Direct, “Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a widespread social and public health issue, and a persistent historical phenomenon occurring across all societies (Pereda et al., 2009). High prevalence rates of CSA have been observed globally, with estimates ranging from 8% to 31% for girls and 3% to 17% for boys (Barth et al., 2013).” It is important that evidence is properly gathered and collected after sexual abuse at a medical location.

• All of the disciplinary actions or complaints against the defendant should be reviewed.
• Medical records related to a child’s treatment for sexual abuse should be collected.
• The police report created after the incident should be reviewed.
• Parents should consider their legal options with a team experienced in sexual abuse claims.

Learning that your child has been sexually exploited by a therapist or other medical professional can be devastating. People trust therapists with the most personal and sensitive information. Sadly, medical providers are not likely to admit fault if one of their workers harms patients. It is more likely that they will claim the defendant is the sole person at fault. But in many cases, this is not accurate. The parents of any child sexually exploited by a medical officer are able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim.

Getting Legal Help After Manhattan Beach Child Sexual Abuse

We at Samer Habbas & Associates PC were very concerned to learn about the allegations against Joseph Toews. It is deeply troubling that a person who spent their career working with children is being accused of such heinous acts. Any person who may have more information should reach out to the FBI. There needs to be a thorough investigation into the potential scope of the misconduct.

Has your child attended the Neuro Wellness Spa in Manhattan Beach in recent years? Are you concerned they may have been secretly recorded? Our team of sexual abuse attorneys is here for you. We care deeply that victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or are wondering how an attorney can help with your specific case, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 949-727-9300.