Edmonton massage therapist facing 3 additional charges

Edmonton police say three additional charges have been laid against a 55-year-old massage therapist.

EPS says in October, they began an investigation into a physiotherapy clinic in the Mill Woods area after a woman reported that she had been inappropriately touched while receiving a massage.

Following an investigation 55-year-old Pepito Manalo was charged with sexual assault on Nov. 5.

Police continued their investigation, believing there may have been additional victims, which ultimately led to additional people coming forward and three new charges being laid on Jan. 2.

“We are thankful that brave individuals were able to come forward and speak to police about their experiences with the accused,” says Detective Kamlesh Patel with the EPS’ Serious Crimes Branch. “Police are continuing to encourage others to come forward so we can connect them to resources to support their healing. We are here to help.”

Manalo has since been released with the following conditions:

• Not contact or communicate with any of the complainants;
• Not visit the complainants’ residences, places of employment, education or worship;
• Not practice massage therapy on women;
• Not access the medical or personal records of any of the complainants;
• Comply with any of the conditions imposed by any massage regulatory body;
• Not offer massage therapy from his home-based business.

EPS, however, does believe that Manalo might still be practicing massage therapy in Edmonton, and that there might be additional victims.

Anyone who may have any information is asked to contact investigators at 780-423-4567 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.