The case heads to trial
A Barrington acupuncturist accused of fondling a client during a home visit in Crystal Lake was denied a request to have his case dismissed and is headed to trial, according to court records and police. Kwan Chong, 64, of Palatine, is charged in McHenry County with aggravated battery — a Class 3 felony — and criminal sexual abuse, an indictment filed in McHenry County court shows. Separate, earlier charges in Cook County — aggravated criminal sexual assault and attempted aggravated criminal sexual assault — stem from a Barrington police investigation, according to a news release from the Barrington Police Department.
The McHenry County case centers on an Aug. 31, 2022 treatment at a Crystal Lake home. The indictment alleges Chong made physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature by fondling the breasts of a client older than 60 without consent while providing acupuncture. Barrington Police Chief David Daigle said the alleged offense occurred in the patient’s home, as reflected in local reports on the case.
Barrington police said the Cook County charges resulted from reports by two people to the department and involve alleged offenses during the course of acupuncture treatment at Chong’s Barrington clinic. Those charges, filed in 2022, are being heard in Cook County court.
What the charges mean
Illinois law treats the listed offenses as serious. Aggravated battery (as charged here, a Class 3 felony) and criminal sexual abuse can carry significant penalties upon conviction. The Cook County counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault and attempted aggravated criminal sexual assault are among the state’s more severe felony charges and can bring multi-year prison terms if a defendant is found guilty. Sentencing ranges and outcomes depend on the specific statutory subsections, the facts presented, and any aggravating or mitigating factors; prosecutors and judges assess each case on its own record.
Police outreach and multi-jurisdictional investigation
The investigation spans McHenry and Cook counties and involves the Barrington Police Department. Authorities are asking anyone with knowledge of similar activities to contact Barrington police at (847) 304-3306.
As cases cross county lines, justice-system professionals typically focus on coordination, victim support, and evidence preservation. Based on best-practice guidance reflected in case materials, steps that can support a complex, multi-jurisdictional investigation include:
- Inter-jurisdictional coordination among McHenry County, Cook County, and Barrington police to share evidence and avoid duplicating witness contacts.
- Trauma-informed interviewing with trained advocates to reduce re-traumatization and improve testimony quality.
- Targeted outreach — including multilingual access when needed — to communities likely to have interacted with the practitioner.
- Early preservation of medical records, appointment logs, digital communications, and any available forensic evidence.
- Clear public guidance, such as a designated contact line, so victims and witnesses know how to report.
Licensing and background
A review summarized in the context materials indicates no documented prior disciplinary actions in Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation records related to Chong. The absence of public discipline does not prove the absence of prior informal complaints, unreported incidents, or matters not yet publicly disclosed by regulators.
Community context in Palatine and the Barrington area
Palatine, where Chong resides, had a population of about 68,500 as of the 2020 U.S. Census, with overall crime rates generally lower than national averages, according to U.S. Census Bureau and FBI crime statistics summarized in the context materials. Property crime is more common than violent crime in that dataset. Those patterns can shape how residents perceive risk, while also underscoring the importance of clear outreach so alleged victims feel safe reporting concerns.
Safeguards for clinics and practitioners
Allegations of boundary violations in hands-on health care settings can erode patient trust. Professional groups and ethics analyses cited in the case materials point to practical steps clinics can take to protect patients and practitioners:
- Written informed-consent forms that explain the scope of treatment, anticipated touch points, and the right to stop at any time.
- Chaperone or witness options for treatments involving physical contact, particularly for seniors or at a patient’s request.
- Regular training on professional boundaries, sexual-misconduct prevention, and cultural competency for all staff.
- Clear, confidential complaint mechanisms and visible information on how to report concerns to law enforcement and licensing boards.
- Accurate treatment documentation and secure handling of appointment logs and communications.
- Insurance and legal readiness plans to ensure appropriate response protocols.
Resources and practical steps for alleged victims
Authorities in Barrington have encouraged anyone with information about similar incidents involving Chong to come forward. For individuals seeking guidance, victim-support principles summarized in the case materials recommend:
- Prioritize immediate safety; call 911 in an emergency.
- Preserve evidence — keep clothing and communications and avoid altering potential evidence.
- Write down details as soon as possible, including dates, times, locations, and any witnesses.
- Seek medical evaluation; forensic exams can be time-sensitive.
- Report to law enforcement. In Barrington, call (847) 304-3306 to reach police.
- Notify licensing authorities by filing a complaint with the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation, if applicable.
- Connect with victim-advocacy services and consider legal counsel to understand criminal and civil options.
What’s next
Chong’s bid to dismiss the McHenry County case has been denied, and he is headed to trial on those charges while separate Cook County proceedings continue. Officials say the investigation remains multi-jurisdictional, and Barrington police are continuing their outreach for information. For Barrington-area residents, the case raises familiar questions about trust in health care settings and the systems designed to protect patients. The next key milestones will play out in courtrooms in McHenry and Cook counties, while police maintain their request that anyone with information contact them.
