A Manhattan Beach therapist was sentenced to nearly 17 years in federal prison Tuesday for secretly recording minors in the women’s bathroom at his workplace. Joseph Toews, 31, pleaded guilty in June to one count of production of child pornography. He has remained in custody since April 14.

U.S. District Judge Stanley Blumenfeld Jr. also ordered Toews to serve 25 years of supervised release following his prison term.

During the sentencing hearing, Toews expressed remorse for his actions, calling his behavior “absolutely disgusting” and apologizing to the children he harmed. He acknowledged that forgiveness might never be extended to him.

According to the plea agreement, Toews installed a hidden camera in a women’s bathroom stall at his therapy office in January 2023. The device recorded young girls, some of whom were receiving therapy services from Toews, including play therapy. He admitted to capturing at least 11 separate videos.

Prosecutors characterized the crimes as deliberate and premeditated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Clifford Dankwa Mpare Jr. emphasized the intentional nature of the offenses during the hearing.

The agreement also revealed that between January 2023 and December 2025, Toews knowingly possessed and received child sexual abuse material. This included purchasing sexually explicit videos of children through darknet marketplaces.