Skip to Main content

20.84°^C Vancouver

News Entertainment Sports Videos Shows Podcast Contact Us

Jun 8, 2023 9:05 PM - The Canadian Press

Alberta spiritual leader, wife facing additional sexual assault charges: Police

Share On

alberta-spiritual-leader-wife-facing-additional-sexual-assault-charges-police

Johannes de Ruiter was arrested and charged in January with four counts of sexual assault.

A self-styled spiritual leader and his wife are facing additional charges for alleged sexual assaults between 2012 and 2019.

Edmonton police say Johannes (John) de Ruiter, who is 63, has been charged with three counts of sexual assault in three separate cases.

Leigh Ann de Ruiter, who is 64, was jointly charged with two counts of sexual assault.

Police have said Johannes de Ruiter is the leader of an Edmonton group known as the College of Integrated Philosophy or the Oasis Group.

Edmonton police have alleged that he would tell female members that he was directed by a spirit to engage in sexual activity with them, and that doing so would give them the opportunity to achieve spiritual enlightenment.

They have not elaborated on allegations against his wife.

Johannes de Ruiter was arrested and charged in January with four counts of sexual assault.

His wife was then arrested and charged with counts of sexual assault almost two months later.

Latest news

WorldJun 22, 2026

Confirmed Ebola cases in eastern Congo rise to 1,003, death toll reaches 254

The number of confirmed Ebola cases in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has risen to 1,003, with approximately 254 deaths reported since the outbreak began, according to the country's Health Ministry. In a statement issued Sunday, the ministry said 100 people in Ituri province have recovered from the disease since the outbreak was declared on May 15, 2026. Another 365 patients remain hospitalized or are being treated in isolation centres. Health officials said tracing people who have come into contact with infected patients remains the biggest challenge in containing the outbreak. Accordin

montreal-police-officer-injured-after-reports-of-gunfire-in-côte-des-neiges

CanadaJun 22, 2026

Three dead, including police officer, in Montreal shooting during operation targeting armed suspect

A Montreal police officer, an armed suspect and a civilian were killed during a shooting in Montreal's Côte-des-Neiges neighbourhood on Monday while police were attempting to apprehend an armed individual. A second officer was taken to hospital in critical condition. According to the Montreal Police Service, officers were carrying out an operation involving an armed suspect when a violent confrontation broke out. Police have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting and said the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities issued an emergency alert through

WorldJun 22, 2026

13 killed, dozens injured in explosion at Qatar LNG facility

At least 13 people were killed and 66 others injured after an explosion at Qatar's Ras Laffan liquefied natural gas (LNG) complex on Sunday evening, according to Qatari authorities. Officials said the blast occurred at the Barzan local gas supply facility and was caused by a technical malfunction. Emergency crews responded to the scene and an investigation into the incident has been launched. The explosion happened as operations at parts of the gas complex were being resumed following disruptions linked to an Iranian attack in March. Authorities have not released details about the specific sec

ottawa-reverses-course-on-some-lost-canadian-citizenship-certificate-cancellations

CanadaJun 22, 2026

Ottawa reverses course on some 'lost Canadian' citizenship certificate cancellations

The federal government has reinstated the citizenship status of some "lost Canadians" just days after ordering them to surrender newly issued citizenship certificates and return their Canadian passports. According to letters shared with The Canadian Press, several individuals who had been told earlier this month that their proof of citizenship was under review received new correspondence over the weekend confirming their citizenship claims remain valid after what Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada described as a "thorough review." The department previously said that "a few dozen" peo

b-c-records-more-than-300-wildfires-so-far-this-season-most-now-extinguished

B.C. records more than 300 wildfires so far this season, most now extinguished

More than 300 wildfires have been recorded in British Columbia since April 1, with most of them now extinguished, according to the BC Wildfire Service and provincial officials. Forests Minister Ravi Parmar said there are currently 20 active wildfires across the province. Five of those fires were reported within the past 24 hours. According to Parmar, 14 of the active fires were caused by human activity, while four were sparked by lightning. The causes of the remaining two fires are still under investigation. Data from the BC Wildfire Service shows that 333 wildfires have been recorded in Briti

Related News

Former Alberta finance minister Joe Ceci will not seek re-election in 2027

Former Alberta finance minister Joe Ceci will not seek re-election in 2027

Longtime Alberta politician Joe Ceci says he will not seek re-election in the province's next general election, scheduled for the fall of 2027. Ceci served as Alberta's finance minister in former premier Rachel Notley's New Democratic government from 2015 to 2019, becoming the province's only NDP finance minister. During his time in cabinet, the government increased the minimum wage and expanded funding for family and community support programs. His tenure also coincided with a sharp downturn in oil prices that contributed to significant provincial budget deficits. The NDP government argued th

Alberta MLA expense claims draw scrutiny over high-end meals and minor purchases

Alberta MLA expense claims draw scrutiny over high-end meals and minor purchases

A review of Alberta legislators' expense disclosures for the last fiscal year shows elected officials across party lines claimed expenses ranging from high-end restaurant meals to small everyday purchases, prompting questions from political observers about public perception and accountability. Under Alberta's legislative rules, members of the legislative assembly receive budgets to operate constituency offices, cover travel costs and host constituents and stakeholders. MLAs are also required to publicly disclose expense reports with itemized receipts. Among the larger expenses, Municipal Affai

Edmonton area residents urged to conserve water as heavy rainfall overwhelms drainage systems

Edmonton area residents urged to conserve water as heavy rainfall overwhelms drainage systems

Officials in Edmonton and several neighbouring communities are urging residents to reduce water use after heavy rainfall caused localized flooding and pushed stormwater and sewer systems toward capacity. The City of Edmonton issued a water supply alert, saying flooding and sewer backups have been reported in surrounding areas and warning that additional problems could occur if the stormwater system continues operating above capacity. Utility provider Epcor asked customers to delay activities that use large amounts of water, including showering, running washing machines and dishwashers, and to

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

Broadcasting Notice of Consultation

BC Children's Hospital