Stephen Witvoet is facing 14 counts of sexual assault (submitted photo/RCMP)

By Pete McIntyre

Vernon physiotherapist accused of sex assault facing 10 new charges

Jun 28, 2019 | 3:54 PM

The Crown approved 10 new sex assault charges this week in addition to the previous four against 47-year-old Stephen Witvoet.

He is accused of sexually assaulting 14 people between 2009 and 2016.

The B.C. Prosecution Service told Vernon Matters, the latest 10-count information was sworn on Wednesday.

“The information alleges that the accused sexually assaulted 10 different individuals between June 1, 2009 and April 30, 2015. The offences are alleged to have occurred at or near Vernon. Mr. Witvoet made his first appearance on this file on June 26, 2019. His next appearance is on July 25,” Dan McLaughlin, communications counsel with the B.C. Prosecution Service said.

Prior to the new charges, a trial began for his first two charges which allegedly stemmed from separate incidents in 2016 and 2017 where he was accused of sexually assaulting two people.

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Last month, RCMP issued a release informing the public Witvoet faced a total of four sex assault accusations, but encouraged any additional alleged victims to come forward.

There is a ban on publication in place for information that could identify the complainants. One of Witvoet’s bail conditions is to not practice physiotherapy on female patients.

The College of Physical Therapists of B.C. confirmed it is ‘taking action’ but a spokesperson said the college is awaiting for the court proceedings to conclude to determine how to proceed. Witvoet remains licensed to practice.

The dates and information of the first four alleged offences:

• Date of alleged offence: July 23, 2015. Trial began and will continue July 10, not guilty plea entered.
• Date of alleged offence: November 24, 2016. Trial began and will continue July 10, not guilty plea entered.
• Date of alleged offence: Between September 4 and November 9. Charges sworn, next appearance July 25, no plea entered.
• Date of alleged offence: Between January 1 and January 31. Charges sworn, next appearance July 25.

The allegations against Witvoet have not been tested before the courts.