Beware of predators who take appointments

WARNING: This story contains details that may disturb some readers.
Leonard Krekic, who worked in Penticton and other cities in B.C.,
was found to have committed professional misconduct and
unprofessional conduct while treating multiple female patients
between 2012 and 2019 by a disciplinary panel on Aug. 5. On Dec.
21, the College of Massage Therapists of B.C. rendered their
decision on what Krekic’s punishment would be. That punishment will
be a ban from registering with the College to work as a massage
therapist until January 1, 2048, and a fine and costs totalling
$105,952.51. Six different former clients of Krekic had filed
allegations against him with the College, beginning with an
allegation filed in 2019. “This is one of the most serious cases to
ever come before the Discipline Committee due to the nature and
gravity of multiple instances of misconduct involving many
different patients extending over a period of years,” reads part of
the Aug 5 decision. “Sexual misconduct is a particularly serious
form of misconduct because it involves a breach of trust and abuse
of patients. The duration and frequency of Mr. Krekic’s conduct was
serious, and its impact on the complainants was profound.” Krekic
lived or worked in White Rock, Surrey and Penticton over the time
where he treated the patients, though only the last patient is
identified as having been treated specifically in Penticton. The
decision stressed sexual touching of patients will not be tolerated
and must be denounced. “Where this occurs, registrants of CMTBC
will be met with the most serious penalties available,” the college
stated. If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault,
help is available. In an emergency, call 9-1-1 In a crisis, call
1-800-563-0808 To report a person under 19 who needs protection to
the Ministry of Children and Family Development, call 310-1234 (no
area code required)