A Calgary massage therapist has been charged with sexual assault after it was reported he assaulted a client during an appointment.
A 30-year-old woman told police she went to Massage Addict on May 16, 2018 for a prescheduled appointment.
She reported she was assaulted throughout the course of her massage.
Greg Howden, 36, was subsequently charged with sexual assault and police are reviewing other allegations against the massage therapist.
It’s believed there could be other incidents involving Howden when he was employed at the following clinics:
- Montgomery Chiropractic Plus
- RnR Wellness The Spa
- Beddington Chiropractic Clinic
Police said the owners of Massage Addict are cooperating through the investigation.
In an emailed statement, Massage Addict said Howden was suspended in May immediately after the client came forward, but could not comment any further on the investigation.
Howden was a member of the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada (NHPC) until June 4, when he was placed on an interim suspension. NHPC CEO Tendai Nzuma said the group is “committed to protecting the public in this way while the police investigate this matter.”
In an emailed statement, RnR Wellness Spa said Howden hasn’t worked for the company in almost two years.
“I’m sad to hear of this,” owner Elizabeth Fayt said. “At RnR Wellness, we are required to follow the highest of standards, due to our high-profile hotel locations. We would never tolerate any such activity from a therapist nor anyone on the team.”
Beddington Chiropractic Clinic also said Howden hasn’t worked for the clinic since February 2016, adding the news is “devastating for clients, patients and practitioners.”
“It is our duty to uphold the public safety within our clinics, our communities and our families. We have a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment and assault,” the clinic said in an emailed statement. “At Beddington Chiropractic and Massage, we stand with our clients, staff and practitioners against abuse.”
Montgomery Chiropractic Plus also said Howden hasn’t been an employee there “for some time.”
“We are very concerned with the nature of these allegations but, as I have no knowledge of the specifics, it would be inappropriate for me to address this matter while it is before the courts,” Dr. Joseph R Kelly said in an emailed statement. “At Montgomery Chiropractic Plus we adhere to the highest standards of patient care.”
If you feel you’ve been a victim of sexual assault, you are encouraged to report it to police through the non-emergency number, 403-266-1234, or by contacting 911 if you feel you’re in immediate danger.