Investigators with the York Regional Police Special Victims Unit are appealing for additional victims after a massage therapist was charged in relation to several sexual assaults at clinics throughout York Region.
On September 11, 2024, following media coverage, a second victim reported they had been sexually assaulted during visits to a clinic in the City of Richmond Hill that occurred in August 2024.
On Thursday, August 19, 2024, a victim reported they had been sexually assaulted by their massage therapist during a visit at a clinic in the area of Yonge Street and Savage Road. During the massage, the suspect touched the victim in a sexual manner.
As a result, Philip LAU, 54, of the Town of Georgina, now faces four counts of Sexual Assault.
Investigators are re-releasing an image of the suspect as they believe there are more victims as the accused worked in various locations across the GTA.
A sexual assault includes any non-consensual contact of a sexual nature. York Regional Police would like to encourage anyone who feels they may have been a victim of a sexual assault to come forward and report the incident to police. There is no statute of limitations for sexual offences and offenders can be prosecuted well after the date of the offence.
If someone is not ready to report, however is seeking support, please contact York Region Victim Services victimservices-york.org or the Women’s Support Network womenssupportnetwork.ca. Additional resources and information can be found on our website http://www.yrp.ca/en/services/resources/sexualassaultsurvivorsguide.pdf.
Anyone with information is asked to call the York Regional Police Special Victims Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7071 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
Visit our Community Safety Data Portal for complete stats and crime data within York Region. Crime prevention is our shared responsibility. Learn more about Operation Streetview.
Prepared by: Constable Lisa Moskaluk
24-272056 / 292453
September 23, 2024
