A former massage therapist in British Columbia has been found guilty on multiple counts of sexual assault. Leonard Krekic faced eight sexual assault charges in 2023 related to alleged incidents involving eight patients from 2001 to 2017. The White Rock resident operated in a Surrey clinic on 136A Street and two Penticton clinics in the Okanagan Valley during that period. Subsequently, five more charges were added to the case.
Following a trial at the B.C. Supreme Court in New Westminster, Krekic was convicted on 12 out of the 13 counts brought against him. The B.C. Prosecution Service confirmed this outcome. In a separate incident in 2022, Krekic was prohibited from practicing as a massage therapist for 25 years due to severe misconduct, as determined by the College of Massage Therapists of B.C. The disciplinary action also included financial penalties totaling over $100,000, comprising a $10,000 fine and $95,953 in costs to the college.
During the investigation, six patients testified against Krekic, detailing instances of inappropriate sexual behavior, including unwanted touching and other misconduct. The disciplinary proceedings revealed disturbing accounts of Krekic’s actions, such as placing his hands under patients’ clothing, massaging intimate areas without consent, and engaging in inappropriate conversations with clients. The victims reported enduring emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, leading to a lack of trust in male healthcare professionals.
Krekic voluntarily surrendered his registration with the college in 2020. A sentencing date for his crimes is expected to be set during a court appearance scheduled for June 4.