Weather
Local NewsAcupuncturist Accused of Assaulting ClientsBy Lauren Leamanczyk
PEWAUKEE - Robyn McKenna tried acupuncture on a whim. Her first visit to acupuncturist Samy Elawady went well, so she continued with the treatment.
Then, she says, at the end of a visit, something disturbing happened. “This time he lifted my bra up over my breasts. After he took the needle out, he started massaging them," she said.
McKenna says it made her uncomfortable. Still, she brushed it off as part of the treatment. It wasn't until it happened a second time that she canceled the rest of her appointments.
She did not complain or call police. Then she spoke with Suzette Steinbach - Mineau.
Steinbach-Mineau is also accusing Elawady of sexual assault. She described her acupuncture session to TODAY'S TMJ4 Reporter Lauren Leamanczyk. "He started putting this oil or lotion kind of stuff on my stomach'" she said. "And them when he got up to my breast area he pulled my bra up and started putting the oil on my breasts.”
She too kept the incident to herself. After she realized other women claimed to have similar experiences, Steinbach-Mineau called police.
"As a woman I want to protect other women,” is the reason she gives for coming forward.
Steinbach Mineau claims she lost her job as a receptionist at the Oriental Wellness Center because she filed charges. She says Elawady continues to practice acupuncture at the center.
Elawady, through his attorney, declined to comment. He is charged with five counts of 4th degree sexual assault.
|
On Demandadvertisement |
