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Sexual assault charges against a self-styled spiritual leader and his wife in the Edmonton area have been stayed.
Johannes (John) de Ruiter and his wife, Leigh Ann, faced six charges each of sexual assault and were slated to go to trial in September.
Police have said John de Ruiter is the leader of a group known as the College of Integrated Philosophy or the Oasis Group.
Investigators alleged he told female members that he was directed by a spirit to engage in sexual activity with them and doing so would give them the opportunity to achieve spiritual enlightenment.
When the couple was initially charged in 2023, authorities didn’t elaborate on the allegations against Leigh Ann de Ruiter.
The Alberta Crown Prosecution Service says it conducted a thorough review of the file and determined it was unable to proceed with the charges.
“The Alberta Crown Prosecution Service would like to thank the individuals who came forward to provide their accounts of the alleged offences,” spokeswoman Michelle Davio said in a statement Friday.
“We understand the personal and emotional impact this process can have, and the disappointment and frustration this outcome may cause.”
Davio said the decision was not made lightly and an internal review is underway “to examine what occurred and to help ensure that a situation like this does not happen in the future.”
“We understand that it may be deeply unsatisfying for those who took part in the process, particularly given the seriousness of the allegations,” she said.
“While the [Alberta Crown Prosecution Service] is limited in what it can share about internal considerations, we want to be clear that this outcome does not diminish the importance of the information provided by the complainants or the significance of their participation.”
Defence lawyer Dino Bottos, who is representing the de Ruiters, said the outcome isn’t ideal.
“They are in the hole financially,” Bottos said during a news conference on the abrupt development on Friday regarding the cost to maintain a three-year legal battle.
“There’s a spectre of guilt — or at least suspicion — over their heads that could remain throughout their whole lives.”
Bottos told reporters that the prosecution team has been replaced, and described one of the original prosecutors as “overzealous.”
The personnel change has not been confirmed by CBC News.
In response to a question, Davio told CBC that senior Alberta Crown prosecutors who were not involved in the conduct of this prosecution reviewed the file.
Davio added that Crown prosecutors on the file are aware of this review.
“The Alberta Crown Prosecution Service is not permitted to discuss human resource matters, including any employment-related actions or decisions,” Davio said.
CBC News sought comment from the justice ministry but a spokesperson said it does not speak about specific cases.
The Edmonton Police Service said its thoughts were with the “incredibly courageous complainants” who came forward.
“The Edmonton Police Service takes these reports seriously, and as in this case, our specialized sexual assault detectives are meticulous in their efforts to build a case that can proceed to prosecution,” said the statement.
“We are disappointed to hear this outcome, but will continue to investigate and work with the Crown to seek justice and support survivors. “
Lena Betker, CEO at the Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton, told CBC News the situation is difficult to comprehend.
“They had the bravery to come forward and share their stories, and then to have the case stayed in this way without clarity on why it happened, my heart just goes out to those people so much. It’s really devastating.”
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