A registered massage therapist operating out of a downtown wellness centre is facing a sexual assault charge after a woman came forward to police with a complaint last Friday.

Police say a 25-year-old woman went to a sports therapy massage appointment at a clinic at 520 3 Avenue S.W.  on December 11 and was sexually assaulted by the male massage therapist during the treatment.

The woman reported the incident to police and a man was arrested and charged on Monday.

“In this particular incident the sexual assault went beyond what might be considered groping,” said Det. Sarah Roe, of the CPS Sex Crimes Unit.

Brad McLellan is charged with sexual assault and police say he was contracted by and rented space at Centennial Wellness Clinic at the time of the alleged offence.

Police say the clinic is cooperating with the investigation and that McLellan may have also worked for, or been contracted by, Hockey Canada, Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games and may have treated skeleton and bobsleigh athletes.  

Hockey Canada released a statement to CTV News on Thursday afternoon saying…

We are aware of the charges brought against an individual who had been contracted by Hockey Canada. The charges are not related to the accused’s short-term contract with Hockey Canada, during which time he worked a 10-day camp with our athletes.

Hockey Canada has contacted the staff and athletes who may have been in contact with this individual to make them aware of the situation.

Hockey Canada’s number-one priority is the safety of our athletes and everyone involved with the game. Policies, procedures and processes are in-place and we continually review them to ensure best practices.

McLellan is expected to appear in court on the charges on Friday, February 12, 2016.

“He’s been charged with the one count. We do want to provide information to the public and advise you, in the interest of public safety, that this has taken place and of course encourage anybody to come forward and report any crime,” said Roe.

Brad McLellan issued a statement to CTV News saying…

"I want to state emphatically that I am innocent of the allegations. I have approximately 14000 patient treatments and have never received a complaint in regards to my conduct.  I have hundreds of patients and colleagues that will vouch for my professionalism and conduct during treatments and I have always asked for consent and checked in with patients' comfort during treatment.  These false allegations have caused extreme duress for me as well as my family, friends and professional colleagues. I anxiously await the opportunity to prove my innocence."

Police say anyone who may be a victim of a sexual assault can report it to them by calling the non-emergency line at 403-266-1234, or Crime Stoppers anonymously using any of the following methods:
 
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
TEXT: tttTIPS to 274637