A traditional Chinese medical practitioner in Morriston is now facing 13 sexual assault charges, plus weapons and other charges, involving 11 former patients.
On Oct. 31, Guelph police arrested and charged Sherman Lai, 58, with one count of sexual assault against a former patient.
On Nov. 29, Lai was charged with two additional sexual assault charges against two more former patients at 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.
On Jan. 12, Lai was charged with six more counts of sexual assault involving five additional former patients.
On Feb. 9, Lai was charged with four additional counts of sexual assault. He was also charged with 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.
The most recent charges involve three additional former patients, police say.
“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 Feb. 12 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 at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip at www.csgw.tips.
