Former chiropractor pleads guilty to sexual assaults

Six women abused by a former Edmonton chiropractor — in some cases as long as 40 years ago — watched as he pleaded guilty to the crimes Monday.

Ronald Harry Latch, 67, entered guilty pleas to six counts of sexual assault in a cavernous Edmonton courtroom designed for hearings during the COVID pandemic.

A chiropractor in Edmonton since the early 1980s, he admitted to inappropriately touching the victims — two of whom were minors — by massaging their breasts and vaginal areas with either his hands or a vibrating instrument. The assaults occurred between 1981 and 1990.

One of the women who Latch assaulted as a minor came forward to police in 2018.

Edmonton police charged Latch in 2019 and issued a news release seeking additional complainants. He eventually faced a total of 12 charges related to sexual assault.

Speaking outside court, one of the women Latch assaulted said it was “empowering” to see him admit the crimes. Nevertheless, she said she was “shocked” to find Latch continued practicing after she initially came forward in the early 1990s.

“He fell through the cracks,” she said.

According to an agreed statement of facts read into the record by prosecutor Allison Downey-damato, Latch began practicing in 1981. He worked out of at least two offices, one on 124 Street and 107 Avenue and another at 111 Avenue and Groat Road.

The identities of the women are covered by a publication ban. They described their experiences as frightening, painful and embarrassing.

In a statement, the Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors said it is beginning disciplinary proceedings against Latch under the Health Professions Act.

Latch has been barred from practicing in Alberta since Oct. 31, 2019.

Latch’s sentencing hearing is set for June 2.