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James Bay massage operator charged with sexual assault

A James Bay massage practitioner has been charged in connection with a sexual assault alleged to have occurred in the summer, Victoria police said Friday. John Heintzelman, 65, has been charged with sexual assault.
Victoria Police Department VicPD car - photo generic
Victoria police

A James Bay massage practitioner has been charged in connection with a sexual assault alleged to have occurred in the summer, Victoria police said Friday.

John Heintzelman, 65, has been charged with sexual assault. He is due to appear in court in May 2018.

A client alleged a sexual assault by Heintzelman during a treatment in July, police said.

Reached on his advertised business phone line, Heintzelman told the Times Colonist he is retired and is innocent of the allegations. He said he was surprised by the charges but had no further comment.

Heintzelman was the sole operator of a massage business in the 300 block of Kingston Street.

The business operated under the name James Bay Massage and was previously known as Ancient Medicine.

Heintzelman’s name does not appear on the College of Massage Therapists of B.C.’s list of registered massage therapists. The college regulates the profession of massage therapy in the province.

Police said they believe there might be other victims.

Investigators ask anyone with information to come forward. Reports can be made through Victoria police at 250-995-7654, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre at 250-383-3232.

Supports for victims of sexual assault are available at vicpd.ca/webelieveyou.