A registered massage therapist (RMT) in Penticton has been suspended after allegations of sexual misconduct resulted in an investigation.

The College of Massage Therapists in British Columbia (CMTBC) published a decision this week that replaces a previous order to allow the RMT to work under certain conditions. 

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The CMTBC has suspended Mr. Leonard Krekic, and as a result he is no longer entitled to practice as a registered massage therapist in BC.

In total, CMTBC’s Inquiry Committee has nine investigation files open pertaining to the registrant, which include the complaint of the female patient identified as “AA,” and six complaints of sexual misconduct by other female patients.

On April 5, 2019, Krekic was ordered to have a chaperone present while dealing with female clients after he was accused of sexual misconduct by a female patient. 

AA alleged that Krekic engaged in sexual misconduct during treatments between March 14 and April 5, 2019.

Additionally, AA alleged that Krekic engaged in sexual misconduct even while the chaperone was present.

On November 21, 2019, the college received a complaint from AA which contained multiple allegations against Krekic, including that while providing massage therapy to her October 2 and 10, 2019, he engaged in sexual misconduct while a chaperone was present in the treatment room but not paying attention.

The reasoning adds that Mr. Krekic also allegedly engaged in sexual misconduct while a chaperone was present in the room in August 2019.

AA further alleged that Krekic attempted to enter into a romantic or sexual relationship with her.

After looking into the allegations, the inquiry board was satisfied that “her complaint was not manifestly unfounded, unreliable or exaggerated.”

“The Inquiry Committee panel found the allegations in this case to be extremely serious,” said the decision.

“The panel found there to be a high likelihood that Mr. Krekic will repeat the alleged sexual misconduct, boundary transgressions and unethical conduct.”