Edmonton police say a “self-proclaimed spiritual leader” has been accused of sexual assault and investigators believe there may be additional victims.
Johannes (John) de Ruyter, 63, was arrested on Saturday.
He is accused of sexually assaulting four people in separate incidents between 2017 and 2020.
De Ruiter was the self-styled spiritual leader of a group known as the College of Integrated Philosophy, or the Oasis Group, which operated out of the Oasis Building at 109 Avenue and 177 Street from 2007 to 2021, police said.
As of 2021, he holds meetings out of an office building on the St. Albert Trail in St. Albert and conducts spiritual retreats at a campground near Smith, Alta.
“It was reported that the accused had informed certain members of a group of women that he had been directed by a spirit to engage in sexual activity with them and that engaging in sexual activity with him would enable them to attain the state of a higher being or spiritual enlightenment “, the police said in a statement.
De Ruiter is a native of Stettler. He has been sharing his so-called spiritual teachings for over three decades.
John de Ruther
Stephen Kent, professor emeritus at the University of Alberta, has been following his activities since the 1990s.
“It’s difficult trying to pin down exactly what de Ruyter’s teachings are,” he told CTV News on Monday. “In practice, de Ruyter never registered his group as a religious charity. The organization called Oasis, it’s a form of business. Therefore, we have a business leader who gives spiritual teachings to people.”
He says there have been indications in the past that de Ruyter had inappropriate relationships with his followers, but until now there have never been any criminal charges.
“The first signs that John was having sex with followers probably came in late 1999, when his marriage was falling apart. He got involved with two sisters who were members,” Kent said
“The issues in this process are not moral and ethical. They are not interested in the appropriateness or inappropriateness of a leader, especially a spiritual leader, having sex with followers. The charges involve criminal allegations and that will be the focus of the trial.
John de Ruther
Kent says other people who may have been victims may be too ashamed or afraid to come forward.
“Many people who experience traumatic events in high-demand groups are afraid to come forward. They are embarrassed, they fear retaliation, they probably have a mental attitude that the leader has extraordinary powers.
“The fact that only four women filed formal complaints with their names is not necessarily an indication of how widespread the harmful behavior may have been.”
A representative for de Ruiter sent a written statement to CTV News in response to the allegations.
“Mr. de Ruiter will be represented by counsel and intends to vigorously contest these allegations in court. This situation is deeply affecting for those who knew and know Mr. de Ruiter.”
Anyone who believes they have been victimized by the accused is asked to call the Edmonton Police Department at 780-423-4567 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
With files from CTV News National’s Bill Fortier.
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