Sexual Assault Allegation Against Chiropractor Also Reported in February

Police are opening an internal investigation into their handling of sexual-assault allegations against a McKinney chiropractor.

Dr. David Russell is accused of sexually assaulting two teenagers he met while volunteering at Taylor Dance Center.

McKinney police said the department will look into why concerns raised about Russell eight months ago were never investigated.

"What is important is, we're going to look into the details and learn what has happened," Deputy Chief Scott Brewer said. "At the conclusion of the internal affairs investigation, we'll further understand what has taken place."

Two instructors from Taylor Dance Center went to police in February, claiming one of their students was molested while Russell treated the student for a groin injury.

But attorney Todd Shapiro, who represents Russell, said it appears to be further proof that police have a shaky case against his client.

"The police are not in the business of brushing off people that are reporting sex crimes, especially in this day and age," he said.

"When you have two women make allegations against someone as well known as Dr. Russell -- who treats children and adults alike -- for the police to do nothing, it's got to raise an eyebrow," Shapiro said. "There's something very strange about that."

Carla Mullendore, a former instructor at Taylor Dance Center who reported the allegations to police in October, said she also went to police in February. She also emailed Child Protective Services in July.

An 18-year-old girl told police that Russell manually penetrated her while treating a groin muscle when she was 16 years old, according to court documents. A 13-year-old girl told investigators that Russell fondled her in June, according to court documents.

Police acknowledge that taking action sooner could have prevented the second alleged assault.

"That is a huge concern for our police department, and our apologies to that particular victim," Brewer said. "We take this matter very, very seriously, and we're looking to make sure it doesn't happen in future times."

Shapiro said Russell did not assault the teenagers.

"In retrospect, did he use the best judgment in some of his treatment practices and procedures that he did? It's possible the answer is no," he said. "Did he molest any children? Absolutely not."

Russell reopened his office this week. Police raided it last week and seized evidence as part of its investigation into the sexual assault case.

The executive director of the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners said it has called a disciplinary hearing for Dr. David Russell and his license could be suspended.

The board will consider an emergency suspension at an 11 a.m. meeting in Austin.

NBC 5's Ellen Goldberg contributed to this report.