A 50-year-old religious priest from New York has been arrested and charged with sexual assault after allegedly convincing a woman in Oshawa, Ontario, that she was possessed by evil spirits and required a religious ceremony to be healed, according to police.
The accused has been identified as Rajendranauth Doodnauth Maraj, a resident of New York. Police allege he had been brought to Oshawa by a family to conduct a religious ceremony.
According to Durham police, the man allegedly convinced the woman that she was possessed by evil spirits and that a specific ceremony was necessary to heal her.
Investigators allege that he subsequently took the woman to a private location, where she was sexually assaulted under the pretext of carrying out the religious ritual.
Police later arrested Maraj and charged him with one count of sexual assault. He was held for a bail hearing.
The allegations have not been proven in court, and the accused is presumed innocent unless found guilty.
Investigators have indicated that they are concerned there may be other potential victims and are encouraging anyone who may have experienced a similar incident, or who has information that could assist the investigation, to contact police.
The case also serves as a reminder that religious or spiritual authority does not provide an exemption from Canadian criminal law. Consent remains required regardless of whether an interaction occurs during a religious, spiritual or purported healing ceremony.
Police are continuing their investigation and are seeking information from members of the public who may be able to assist.