Image Credit: ADOBE STOCK
July 19, 2023 - 6:00 PM
A BC massage therapist was banned from practicing for five years after he was criminally convicted of assault.
Kevin Leland An went to his client's home on May 25, 2021, where he massaged her breasts under her draping without her consent, according to a decision by the BC College of Massage Therapists.
His registration was suspended, June 22. He was criminally charged with sexual assault earlier that month.
READ MORE: Kelowna residents need to earn almost $36 an hour to afford rent
An, born in 1992, was convicted of a lesser assault charge and given a conditional discharge with a one-year probation order.
He hasn't practiced as a registered massage therapist since his registration was changed to "non-practicing," and the college investigated the assault separately.
On July 5, 2023, he signed an agreement with the college admitting to the assault. His registration was cancelled that day and he won't be able to reapply to the college until 2028.
READ MORE: Kelowna antivaxer sues reporters, publishers claiming defamation
"The Inquiry Committee considered Mr. An’s admitted conduct to be extremely serious," the decision read.
If he chooses to reapply, An will have to satisfy the college he won't be a public safety risk.
"The Inquiry Committee is satisfied that the consent order in this matter appropriately reflects the seriousness of the admitted conduct and will protect patient safety through the cancellation of Mr. An’s registration, meaning that Mr. An is no longer authorized to practice as a registered massage therapist in BC," the decision read.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Levi Landry or call 250-819-3723 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.
We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. SUBSCRIBE to our awesome newsletter here.
News from © iNFOnews, 2023