Barrington acupuncturist to face trial on sex abuse, battery charges

A Barrington acupuncturist accused of fondling a client in a Crystal Lake home was denied a request to have his case dismissed and is headed to trial.

Kwan Chong, 64, of Palatine, is charged with aggravated battery, a Class 3 felony, and criminal sexual abuse, according to an indictment filed in the McHenry County court.

Chong is accused of making “physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature” by allegedly fondling the breasts of a client older than 60 without consent while providing a treatment on Aug. 31, 2022, the charges allege.

Barrington Police Chief David Daigle said the alleged offense occurred in the patient’s home.

Chong also faces charges in Cook County of aggravated criminal sexual assault and attempted aggravated criminal sexual assault stemming from a Barrington police investigation, according to a news release from the Barrington Police Department.

The charges resulted from reports to Barrington authorities by two people, police said. The alleged offenses occurred during the course of acupuncture treatment at Chong’s Barrington clinic, according to the release. Those charges, filed in 2022, are being heard in Cook County court.

Anyone with knowledge of similar activities is asked to call Barrington police at (847) 304-3306.

Chong is due in McHenry County court for a status hearing Nov. 20 and his trial is set for Feb. 3. He is due in Cook County court Oct. 29 for a pretrial hearing, according to court records.

An attempt to reach his attorney was not successful.

State records show Chong’s license to practice is suspended through June 2025. The records also indicate that on Aug. 7, 2023, his license was restricted to practicing only with a chaperone present “pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings.” A week later, the records show, his license was temporarily suspended for “failing to comply with a Chaperone Order.”