On Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023, Johannes (John) de Ruiter, 63, was arrested and charged with sexually assaulting four complainants in separate incidents occurring between 2017 and 2020.
The accused is a self-styled spiritual leader of a group known as the College of Integrated Philosophy or the Oasis Group, which operated out of the Oasis Building at 109 Avenue and 177 Street from 2007 to 2021. He is currently holding meetings at an office building on St. Albert Trail in St. Albert, and offers spiritual retreats out of a campground near Smith, Alberta.
It was reported that the accused informed certain female group members that he was directed by a spirit to engage in sexual activity with them, and that engaging in sexual activity with him will provide them an opportunity to achieve a state of higher being or spiritual enlightenment.
Investigators believe there may be additional complainants, and are encouraging them to come forward. Anyone who believes they have been victimized by the accused is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.
