Image Credit: ADOBE STOCK
January 26, 2021 - 9:34 AM
A Penticton area registered massage therapist accused of multiple episodes of sexual misconduct will soon find out if he will be able to practice again.
Leonard Krekic is scheduled for a disciplinary hearing by the College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia, March 8.
Nearly a year ago, the provincial regulator suspended his license as a Registered Massage Therapist in B.C. after a report indicated that he failed to follow through with a sanction that required he have a chaperone present for all consultations, assessments, examinations or treatment of female patients, as well as sending in regular reports on the use of chaperones.
The regulatory body was already alerted to other allegations of sexual assault that included touching clients' breasts and genitalia and rubbing his groin against multiple clients’ hands. This behaviour continued, allegedly, even when a chaperone was present.
If the allegations are proven in March, the College said it will show Krekic has not complied with the Health Professions Act or a bylaw, has not complied with a standard imposed under the Health Professions Act, that is CMTBC’s Code of Ethics and/or standards of practice; and further, or in the alternative and has committed professional misconduct or unprofessional conduct.
Since having his licence suspended, Krekic has not been allowed to practise as a registered massage therapist in B.C. The allegations have not been proven and they're currently under investigation. Criminal charges are not listed.
There was a civil suit where Krekic filed a court challenge on the limits to his practice imposed in April 2019. His petition alleged the college had insufficient evidence of wrongdoing to impose the limitations and the cost of paying for a chaperone would significantly reduce his income.
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