Sexual assault charges laid against B.C. massage therapist

A massage table is seen in this undated photo. (Shutterstock)

A massage therapist in the Vancouver area is facing sexual assault charges, prompting investigators to issue a public appeal for information to further the case.

Christian Espiritu Aquilizan, 39, was charged on June 16 with two counts of sexual assault in Maple Ridge, B.C., according to court records.

The alleged offences occurred on Jan. 15 and Jan. 29.

The Maple Ridge RCMP says officers were made aware of a complaint against the registered massage therapist in February.

The detachment said in a statement Wednesday that the complaint involved a youth who was undergoing treatment at a Maple Ridge massage therapy clinic.

“Front-line officers conducted an investigation and later arrested the male suspect,” the detachment said.

“While the investigation is ongoing, police believe that there may be other people within the community who have information that could advance the investigation who have not yet come forward.”

In March, Aquilizan was banned from treating female patients and patients under 18 by the College of Complementary Health Professionals of B.C.

“The order was made following a complaint from a member of the public which alleged that the registrant engaged in sexual misconduct regarding a female patient who is under 18 years old,” the regulator said in a notice announcing the restrictions on his practice.

“The panel considered the allegations serious and recognized the presence of factors that render the alleged sexual misconduct likely to recur,” the notice said.

“The allegation is a serious breach of boundaries that constitutes sexual misconduct.”

Investigators are urging anyone with information relevant to the case to contact the Maple Ridge RCMP at 604-463-6251.

Aquilizan’s next court appearance is scheduled for July 8.

With files from CTV News Vancouver’s Lisa Steacy

If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:

• Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety.
• The Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres' website has a comprehensive list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling.
• The Ending Violence Association of Canada‘s website has links to helplines, support services and locations across Canada that offer sexual assault kits.
• Indian Residential School Survivors Society crisis lines: [phone] or [phone] (24/7)
• Toronto Rape Crisis Centre crisis line: [phone] (24/7)
• Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: [phone] (24/7)
• Trans Lifeline: [phone]
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 988 (24/7)
• Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre for current and former Canadian Armed Forces members: [phone]
• Read about your rights as a victim on the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime website.