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Former acupuncturist faces new charges in sexual assault investigation

Sherman Lai faces 12 additional charges, including sexual assault, assault with a weapon, and forcible confinement
DO NOT USE 20160202 Guelph Police Station Exterior KA
File photo of Guelph Police Service Building. Kenneth Armstrong/GuelphToday

NEWS RELEASE
GUELPH POLICE SERVICE
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May 30 update

On May 29, 2018, Sherman Lai was charged with six additional counts of assault, three counts of utter threats, one count of sexual assault, one count of assault with a weapon, and one count of forcible confinement.

Although Sherman Lai has practiced locally in the area, Guelph Police have learned that patients who reside(d) within the Greater Toronto Area and beyond have been referred to him.

Police are informing the public that there is no statute of limitations on crimes of this nature and any persons with information can contact D/Sgt. Clark at 519-824-1212 ext. 7518. Anonymous tips can be left at Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submitted online.

Previously released information

On Oct. 18, 2017, the Guelph Police Service commenced an investigation into sexual assault allegations against a 58-year-old traditional Chinese medicine practitioner/acupuncturist whose practice, Centre of Integrative Natural Medicine, had been located on Surrey Street for over 20 years. This centre moved locations approximately six years ago and is currently located in Morriston, Ont. On Oct. 31, Sherman Lai was arrested and charged by the Guelph Police Service for one count of sexual assault against a former patient.

On Nov. 29, Sherman Lai was charged with two further counts of sexual assault involving two additional victims both being former patients.

On Jan. 12, Sherman Lai was charged with six additional counts of sexual assault involving five additional victims all of whom were former patients.

On Feb. 9, Sherman Lai was charged with four additional counts of sexual assault as well as one count of assault, two counts of assault with a weapon, two counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, two counts of utter death threats involving three additional victims all of whom were former patients.

On April 11, Sherman Lai was charged with four more counts of sexual assault involving four additional victims all of whom were former patients.

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