A traditional Chinese medical practitioner and acupuncturist in Morriston now faces a total of 36 charges, including 18 for sexual assault.
On May 29, Guelph police charged Sherman Lai, 58, with six counts of assault, three counts of uttering threats, one count of sexual assault, one count of assault with a weapon and one count of forcible confinement.
The latest charges follow 24 previously laid against Lai, who operated the “Centre of Integrative Natural Medicine,” which moved to Morriston about six years ago after operating on Surrey Street in Guelph for over 20 years.
The previous charges are:
– Oct. 31, one count of sexual assault against a former patient;
– Nov. 29, sexual assault charges against two more former patients;
– Jan. 12, six counts of sexual assault involving five additional former patients;
– Feb. 9, four counts of sexual assault, two counts of assault with a weapon, two counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and two counts of uttering death threats (involving three additional former patients); and
– April 11, four counts of sexual assault involving four additional victims, all former patients.
“Although Sherman Lai has practiced locally in the area, Guelph Police have learned that patients within the Greater Toronto Area and beyond have been referred to him,” Guelph Police officials stated in a May 30 press release.
Police are reminding the public there is no statute of limitations on alleged sexual assault crimes. Anyone with information can contact D/Sgt. Clark at 519-824-1212 extension 7518. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers.
