Sexual assault charges against Alberta spiritual leader and wife stayed
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Sexual assault charges against a self-styled spiritual leader and his wife have been stayed after the Alberta prosecution service said it conducted a thorough review of the file and determined it was unable to proceed with the charges.
Johannes (John) de Ruiter and his wife, Leigh Ann, faced six charges each of sexual assault and were slated to go to trial in Edmonton in September.
Police have said John de Ruiter is the leader of a group known as the College of Integrated Philosophy or the Oasis Group.
Investigators alleged he told female members that he was directed by a spirit to engage in sexual activity with them and doing so would give them the opportunity to achieve spiritual enlightenment.
When the couple was initially charged in 2023, authorities didn’t elaborate on the allegations against Leigh Ann de Ruiter.
Michelle Davio, a spokeswoman for the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service, said in a statement Friday that the service thanked the people “who came forward to provide their accounts of the alleged offences.”
“We understand the personal and emotional impact this process can have, and the disappointment and frustration this outcome may cause.”
Read more https://www.ctvnews.ca/edmonton/article/sexual-assault-charges-against-alberta-spiritual-leader-and-wife-stayed/
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