Crown seeks prison for Saskatoon massage therapist convicted of sexual assault

The Crown is seeking a prison sentence for a former Saskatoon massage therapist convicted of sexual assault. Stacey Hein reports.

The Crown is seeking a four-year federal prison sentence for a former Saskatoon massage therapist convicted of sexually assaulting five former clients, while the defence is asking that he serve his sentence in the community.

Kenneth Braun, 70, was convicted last November of five counts of sexual assault involving former female clients between 2010 and 2021 in Saskatoon.

Braun was first charged in June 2022. Evidence heard during the trial remains under a publication ban to protect the integrity of future court proceedings.

During a sentencing hearing in Saskatoon’s Court of King’s Bench on Friday, Crown prosecutor Lana Morelli argued Braun should receive a four-year federal prison sentence, saying he abused his position of trust and authority with each victim.

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Defence lawyer Jay Watson is seeking a conditional sentence of two years less a day, which would allow Braun to serve his sentence in the community.

Watson argued Braun’s more than 30 years as a correctional officer in Saskatoon would put his safety at risk if he were incarcerated.

The defence also filed 58 letters of support, including some from former patients, friends and relatives.

Morelli argued that if Braun receives a federal sentence, Correctional Service Canada could place him at any institution in the country.

The hearing also included victim impact statements from four of Braun’s victims. Many read their statements through tears, describing how the assaults affected their sense of safety and trust.

The Massage Therapist Association of Saskatchewan also submitted a community impact statement, saying Braun’s actions caused distress within the profession and betrayed the public’s trust.

At the end of the hearing, Braun stood and told Justice Krista Zerr there was a lot he wanted to say, but after four years of court proceedings, it was “too late.”

Justice Zerr reserved her decision until Sept. 11.