Sag Harbor acupuncturist charged with sexual abuse

Southampton Town police have charged a Sag Harbor acupuncturist with sexually abusing a patient during an appointment, police said.

Mikal P. Gohring, 64, was charged with aggravated sexual abuse in the second degree, a class C felony. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Sunday in Southampton Justice Court.

Gohring, in an interview Wednesday evening, denied the charges. "The allegations are totally without merit," he said. "I did not do this."

He said he has been practicing Eastern medicine and acupuncture on the East End of Long Island since 1988.

"I have an impeccable reputation," said Gohring, adding he was "beyond shocked." He added: "I am much more interested in relieving suffering than causing it."

Gohring was arrested at his Noyack business on Saturday after the woman, who is in her 50s, came to police to make the complaint. She had seen him on Friday in his office, Det. Sgt. Lisa Costa said.

He was arraigned Sunday and held at the Suffolk County Jail on $20,000 bail, according to a statement from Southampton Town police issued last night. Gohring said a friend posted a bond and he was released at 6:30 p.m. Monday.

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Southampton Town police detectives asked that anyone with information call 631-702-2230.