Police: Man posing as ‘healing practitioner’ sexually assaulted woman in his Paso Robles home
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The Paso Robles Police Department arrested a man posing as a “healing practitioner” who allegedly sexually assaulted a woman in his home Thursday.
A woman told the Police Department she was sexually assaulted by 59-year-old Paso Robles resident David Cruz Padilla, according to a news release.
He allegedly assaulted her in his home on Oak Hill Road, the release said.
Padilla was arrested and booked into San Luis Obispo County Jail on suspicion of felony charges of sexual penetration and using a concealed camera to record a person’s body or undergarments, according to the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office’s Who’s in Custody website.
Padilla had no medical training, but he posed as a “healing practitioner” and treated numerous women and potentially “underage female minors” in his home, police said in the release.
Investigators believed he may have assaulted more of his patients, the release said.
“The Paso Robles Police Department’s priority is to support all victims of sexual violence and ensure they receive the necessary resources and assistance,” the release said. “We understand that coming forward can be incredibly challenging, and we encourage those impacted to seek help without fear of judgment or repercussions.
“Our officers are here to provide confidential support, resources and guidance to all victims, the release continued. “We are committed to fostering a safe community and will continue to work diligently to hold perpetrators accountable.”
Anyone with information can contact the Paso Robles Police Department’s Detective Bureau at 805-237-6464 or Det. Elizabeth Place at 805-227-7429.
