Sexual assault charges against Edmonton-area spiritual leader, wife stayed by Crown

Sexual assault charges against an Edmonton-area spiritual leader and his wife have been stayed, the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service confirmed Friday.

Johannes “John” de Ruiter and Leigh Ann de Ruiter each faced six counts of sexual assault and were scheduled to stand trial in September. The charges, first laid in 2023, will not proceed after prosecutors determined there was no reasonable likelihood of conviction, according to a statement from the Crown.

Police previously alleged that John de Ruiter, described as the leader of a group known as the College of Integrated Philosophy, also called the Oasis Group, told female members he had been directed by a spirit to engage in sexual activity with them as part of achieving spiritual enlightenment. None of the allegations were tested in court.

Authorities did not publicly detail the specific allegations against Leigh Ann de Ruiter at the time charges were laid.

In its statement, the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service said it conducted a thorough review of the file before deciding it could not proceed. Spokesperson Michelle Davio said the decision was not made lightly and acknowledged the impact on complainants.

“The Alberta Crown Prosecution Service would like to thank the individuals who came forward to provide their accounts of the alleged offences,” Davio said. “We understand the personal and emotional impact this process can have, and the disappointment and frustration this outcome may cause.”

The prosecution service said an internal review is underway to examine the handling of the case and to help prevent similar outcomes in the future.