ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — An Asheville acupuncturist has been charged with sexually assaulting one of his longtime patients.
Shi Ying Kuai was arrested on September 26. The 90-year-old acupuncturist was charged with second-degree criminal sexual conduct and sexual assault. Asheville Police Detective Jonathan McCain said Kuai assaulted the woman during an acupuncture treatment at his home office on Arlington Street.
“Criminals come in all ages, shapes and sizes,” McCain said. “These types of cases can take a long time to investigate, but this case was dealt with in a short time thanks to the actions and cooperation of a very brave survivor.”
Survivor River Lajoice told News 13’s Hannah McKenzie her story. Lajoice said he hopes this will prevent someone else from becoming a victim.
“He actually thought he was going to get away with it, and he was going to be okay,” Lajoice said.
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Lajoice, who has been Kuai’s patient for four years, said she saw him twice a week and had no problems until her last visit at the end of August.
“When he started pulling my dress down, I started to realize it wasn’t right, because I had a needle in it,” Lajoice said. “[He] I basically just started taking my clothes off and that’s when I thought, “OK, this isn’t right.” [he] He started kissing my body and things escalated from there. ”
A 28-year-old woman pinned to a table said she screamed for help but no one came.
“I told him to stop. I was like, ‘Please stop, no,’ and he just kept saying, ‘Thank you, thank you,’ and kept going,” she said. said.
Lajoice said the acupuncture left her partially paralyzed and that Kuai knew exactly what he was doing, using it when she was physically and mentally weak. I added that I would. She trusts him, she said, and she has referred about 24 people to his clinic over the years.
“He was basically like a grandfather, more like a great-grandfather,” Lajoice said. “That’s why I feel so strongly about coming out about this. It’s out of respect for myself and not only to not let someone get away with this, but to warn people and make sure this person is trusted.” It’s also to let you know that you’re not someone who can do it.”
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LaJois said he is seeking treatment. Although she is still processing what happened to her, she wants others to know that it is okay to come forward.
“Don’t be afraid to set boundaries and speak your boundaries, especially when it comes to your body and personal space,” Lajoice says. “It’s not just about you. It’s the people who come after you who are going to be sacrificed.”
APD said officers are not aware of any new victims, but encourage anyone who has been sexually assaulted to contact police.
Mr. Quay’s bond is set at $100,000. He is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, September 27th.
