Joseph Toews Arrested on Charges He Secretly Recorded Girls In Bathroom

Joseph Toews, 30, Manhattan Beach Child Therapist who Worked at Neuro Wellness Spa, Accused of Secretely Recording Girls in Public Bathroom

MANHATTAN BEACH, CALIFORNIA (May 20, 2026) – A 30-year-old Manhattan Beach therapist identified as Joseph Toews has been arrested for allegedly secretly filming underage girls in a public bathroom.

The announcement comes after an investigation by the FBI. Joseph Toews was arrested after being indicted by a federal grand jury on charges that he produced child pornography.

The FBI alleged that the defendant secretly recorded girls between the ages of eight and 12 years old in a public bathroom. They also alleged that the defendant purchased child pornography through the dark web by using bitcoin transactions.

Court records indicated that Joseph Toews worked as an associate marriage and family therapist at Neuro Wellness Spa in Manhattan Beach. It remains unclear in what bathroom the alleged conduct occurred.

Federal investigators have said that they also searched the residence of the defendant in December 2025. They were allegedly able to recover devices that contained child sexual abuse material.

The FBI is continuing to search for additional victims in this case. For its part, the Neuro Wellness Spa in Manhattan Beach said that it was unaware of the actions of the defendant.

A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Liability for Manhattan Beach Child Sexual Abuse

It is illegal for any person to secretly record children or adults in any place where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, like a bathroom. Pursuant to California Penal Code § 647(j)(3), a person commits a crime if they use a concealed camcorder or other photographic camera to secretly videotape another identifiable person who may be in a state of full or partial undress. Businesses should take a number of different actions to protect customers from being secretly recorded.

• Complaints: Businesses should respond quickly to any complaints about employees at the business. Sexual misconduct and other illegal activity are often preceded by warning signs.
• Screening: Businesses should thoroughly screen all prospective applicants. They should check their sources and verify that those employees do not have a criminal record.
• Reporting Channels: Businesses should have clear reporting channels so that employees, parents, and children are able to report any potentially suspicious behavior.
• Training: Businesses should train all of their staff to recognize the red flags that misconduct is taking place.

If a person secretly films underage children in a public bathroom at a business, they will likely face multiple criminal charges as a result of their actions. Their employer could also be vicariously liable for those crimes. Business owners have a legal obligation to protect against reasonably foreseeable sources of harm. To that end, a business could be responsible for digital voyeurism on the legal theory that the perpetrator was negligently hired or retained. If a business knew or should have known that a person posed a risk of harm and failed to take action, this could be construed as negligence.

Steps to Take After Manhattan Beach Child Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse and misconduct involving therapists remains alarmingly common. According to one study in Sage Journals, “Seven point one percent to 10.9% of male therapists and 1.9% to 3.5% of female therapists admit to engaging in intimate contact with patients. Offenders tend to justify their behaviour as being at least innocuous if not beneficial for the patients.” Certain actions should be taken after any instance of therapist sexual misconduct.

• The police should be informed of the misconduct so that they can begin investigating.
• All of the evidence related to the abuse should be preserved.
• Any history of misconduct involving the perpetrator should be carefully studied.
• Victims should consider their legal options with an experienced sexual abuse attorney.

Children are incredibly vulnerable to sexual abuse and sexual exploitation. This is why it is so important that businesses take certain steps to keep them safe. This includes properly supervising therapists and other employees who will be around children. If a therapist or other healthcare professional sexually exploits a child through illegally recording them, the victims and their parents are able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil action.

Investigating Manhattan Beach Child Sexual Abuse

We at Samer Habbas & Associates PC were shocked and appalled to hear about the allegations against Joseph Toews. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what took place. Additional victims should strongly consider coming forward.

Have you or a loved one frequented Neuro Wellness Spa in Manhattan Beach? Are you concerned you or your child may have been secretly recorded? Our team of experienced sexual abuse attorneys is here to assist you. We are committed to helping victims of sexual misconduct understand their rights. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into the unique facts of any case, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at 949-727-9300.