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Rancho Santa Margarita Today
By the People, for the People
Prominent South OC Fitness Trainer Convicted Again of Sexually Assaulting Underage Relative
John Spencer Ellis, 56, was found guilty of attempted sexual penetration of a minor in a retrial.
Published on Mar. 4, 2026
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A well-known fitness instructor in Rancho Santa Margarita, California was convicted for a second time of sexually assaulting a relative when she was a minor. John Spencer Ellis, 56, was found guilty of a felony count of attempted sexual penetration by a foreign object of a minor. The victim, who was 17 at the time she reported the assaults to police in 2018, said Ellis sexually assaulted her during workout sessions and massage appointments when she was a teenager.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing issue of sexual abuse within families and the challenges victims face in coming forward, especially when the perpetrator is a trusted and respected member of the community. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in holding repeat offenders accountable.
The details
According to prosecutors, the victim said the assaults began when her mother encouraged her to spend more time with Ellis, a prominent local fitness trainer, because they shared an interest in martial arts. The workouts initially seemed normal, but then led to suggested massages and soft tissue work, during which Ellis sexually assaulted the victim. The victim kept quiet about the abuse until 2018 when she was living in Spain, concerned that Ellis would retaliate and that her mother wouldn't believe her. She later recorded a call confronting Ellis, which led to an apology and him crying.
- In October 2012, the victim sent a text message to Ellis asking him to stop the assaults.
- In November 2018, the victim reported the assaults to police when she was 17 years old.
- In September 2018, the victim told her mother about the assaults while living in Spain.
- In October 2023, Ellis was first convicted of the same charge and sentenced to a year in prison.
- On April 24, 2026, Ellis is scheduled to be sentenced for the latest conviction.
The players
John Spencer Ellis
A 56-year-old prominent fitness trainer in Rancho Santa Margarita, California who was convicted of sexually assaulting a relative when she was a minor.
The Victim
A relative of John Spencer Ellis who was sexually assaulted by him as a teenager. She reported the assaults to police in 2018 when she was 17 years old.
What they’re saying
“At least I didn't have sex with her”
— John Spencer Ellis
What’s next
When Ellis is sentenced in April, the judge will decide whether he will have to register as a sex offender.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing challenge of addressing sexual abuse within families, especially when the perpetrator is a respected member of the community. It underscores the need for stronger accountability measures and support systems to empower victims to come forward and seek justice.
