Fake Shaman Arrested After Alleged Assault on Woman During Ritual in Tulum

Tulum, Mexico — A man posing as a shaman was arrested in Tulum after allegedly assaulting a woman during a ritual, authorities reported.

Police responded to an emergency call around 11 p.m. on Thursday reporting a possible sexual assault at the Mistiq Temple 1 condominiums on 12 South Street at the corner of 39 West Street in the La Veleta neighborhood.

Paramedics from Tulum Hospital arrived at the scene to evaluate the woman but determined she did not require pre-hospital services and left the area.

Municipal police officers interviewed the victim, identified as Bella, a 27-year-old American woman. She told investigators she had contacted the man, who claimed to be a spiritual healer, several days earlier to perform a ritual.

The man visited her home twice on the same day. During the second visit, the situation escalated when he allegedly began touching her breasts, buttocks, and genitals without penetration, according to the victim’s statement.

Police arrested the suspect at the scene and turned him over to the State Prosecutor’s Office for further investigation.