A child therapist in Manhattan Beach is facing federal charges over accusations he secretly filmed young girls in a public bathroom and bought child porn online
Joseph Toews, 30, was indicted by a grand jury and remains in federal custody on charges of possession and production of child pornography, according to the FBI.
Authorities said Toews — who works as a therapist with children and families — is accused of not only purchased “graphic child pornography on dark web sites on multiple occasions,” but also allegedly producing child pornography by taking video of young girls between the ages of 8-12 in a public restroom.
Court documents showed that Toews worked at Neuro Wellness Spa in Manhattan Beach as an associate marriage and family therapist.
Investigators said that during a search of Toews residence in Playa Vista, officer seized evidence items confirming the presence of child sexual abuse material, according to the FBI.
In December 2025, the FBI seized digital devices that they said contained numerous child porn videos, along with some videos allegedly produced by Toews himself.
The FBI accused Toews of placing a camera above a toilet in a public restroom, with a total of eight young girls and 23 women captured on video. The videos were taken in January 2023.
The exact location of the public restroom was not clear.
The FBI released Toews’ photo as officials suspect there could be more victims.
“Anyone who believes they are aware of such activity by Toews or believes they have information about a possible victim is urged” to contact the FBI.
