A 65-year-old Victoria man has been charged in relation to a sexual assault that took place in July 2017.
John Heintzelman, practitioner of a business operating by the name “James Bay Massage” and before that, “Ancient Medicine” is accused of sexual assault. A person who attended the business, located in the 300-block of Kingston Street, alleges Heintzelman assaulted them during the course of their treatment earlier this year. He is not listed as a registered massage therapist on the B.C. registry of RMTs.
Reached by the News at his business number, Heintzelman said he has no comment about the charges. His trial is scheduled to begin May 7, 2018.
Police investigators believe there may have been other victims, as Heintzelman has been working alone in his practice for several years. A Used.ca ad offering massage services contained his name and place of business.
If you have been victimized by John Heintzelman, pls know that #WeBelieveYou. #F1727447 #yyj
— Victoria Police (@vicpdcanada) October 20, 2017
Police are asking those who may have been harassed or assaulted or who have any information on his practice to contact them at 250-995-7654 or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
For more information on resources available through the Victoria Sexual Assault Center, please call 250-383-3232 or visit Vicpd.ca/webelieveyou.
