A doctor of natural medicine who practiced at a Brookfield wellness clinic was taken into custody Thursday after police say he sexually assaulted a juvenile patient and gave her methamphetamine, closing out a months-long investigation that relied in part on the teen's Telegram messages.
Dr. Jose Mahfoud, who practiced at Sophia Natural Health Center at 31 Old Route 7 in Brookfield, was arrested by Brookfield police investigators on September 10, 2026, according to a Brookfield Police Department press release. Investigators allege Mahfoud engaged in a sexual relationship with the juvenile patient and provided her with methamphetamine, both according to the juvenile's account, at the clinic where he practiced. He now faces charges of second-degree sexual assault and distribution of a controlled substance to a person under 18.
How the Case Came Together
The investigation began after the juvenile disclosed the allegations directly to Brookfield Police Youth Officer Heller, according to the department's release. Regional outlet Telemundo Nueva Inglaterra reported that the initial disclosure came during the teen's treatment at the clinic. A youth officer later obtained access to the juvenile's Telegram account and used the encrypted app to communicate directly with Mahfoud, according to Patch. The report says Mahfoud was arrested on an active warrant.
Homeland Security Investigations' New Haven office assisted the Brookfield Police Department's Investigative Division throughout the case, per the same Patch report. The department publicly thanked HSI New Haven for its help, and Fox61 similarly noted the federal agency's role supporting the local municipal probe.
Search Warrant Executed at the Clinic
On the same day Mahfoud was taken into custody, Brookfield police investigators executed a search warrant at Sophia Natural Health Center, according to Fox61's report. Clinic management cooperated with law enforcement throughout the search, the station noted, and the Brookfield Police Department's own release states the clinic cooperated with investigators throughout the broader investigation.
Sophia Natural Health Center was founded by acupuncturist Dr. Kenneth Hoffman and operates as an integrative health clinic blending traditional East Asian medicine, acupuncture, and naturopathic care, according to the SOPHIA Natural Health Center. The practice has served the Danbury and Brookfield area for more than two decades.
A Medical and Naturopathic Background
Mahfoud's academic record shows a dual medical background. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from Universidad Iberoamericana in the Dominican Republic in 2003, then graduated from the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2010, according to the AANMC.
The alleged methamphetamine distribution is separate from the sexual-assault allegation itself.
The Charges
Mahfoud faces a second-degree sexual-assault charge among the charges filed in the case.
The Brookfield Police Department's release says its social media accounts will not post mugshots or names, though such materials remain available to media and the public through other channels.
Investigation Continues, Police Seek Information
Police describe the investigation as ongoing. The department is asking anyone with relevant information to contact Youth Officer Heller at [email protected] or 203-740-4135, per the Brookfield Police Department release.
Sophia Natural Health Center operates in Brookfield.
