‘Spiritual healer’ convicted of sexual assault

NORWALK – A man who identified himself as a “spiritual healer” was convicted Tuesday of sexually assaulting a woman at his Norwalk office, authorities said. Jose Romulo Felix, 42, pleaded no contest to rape and sexual battery by fraud before Judge Larry Knupp of the Los Angeles County Superior Court in Norwalk.

He is expected to be sentenced July 30 to nine years in state prison. Felix also will have to register as a sex offender for life.

Deputy District Attorney Heba Matta, who prosecuted the case, said Felix advertised in Spanish newspapers that he was a “spiritual healer” who could solve love issues for women.

On Jan. 15, 2013, a woman visited Felix at his makeshift office in Norwalk and was sexually assaulted, Matta said. The victim tried to fight back, but Felix forced himself on her, the prosecutor said.

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Published: July 3, 2014 - Volume 13 - Issue 12