Asheville: 90-year-old acupuncturist accused of sexual assault

ASHEVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - The Asheville Police Department announced that an elderly Asheville acupuncturist has been accused of sexual assault by multiple patients.

Officers said the situation began in August when a victim reported that she was sexually assaulted during a treatment session at the suspect’s clinic along Arlington Street.

According to officers, they investigated the situation with the help of the victim and eventually charged the suspect, 90-year-old Shi Ying Kuai.

Officers stated that Kuai was taken into custody on September 26 and charged with second-degree force sex offense and sexual battery. He is currently being held in the Buncombe County Detention Facility on a $100,000 secured bond.

In total, police said six potential victims have come forward.

Kuai is charged with two additional counts of misdemeanor sexual battery.

Following these accusations, the North Carolina Acupuncture Licensing Board released a statement saying they are aware of the accusations and are asking Kuai to voluntarily surrender his Acupuncture license to the Court. According to the statement, Kuai first became a licensed acupuncturist in North Carolina in 1995 and last renewed his license in 2022.

Anyone who may have been a victim of Kuai’s or has information about the situation is asked to contact the police department at (828) 252-1110. People can also submit information anonymously by texting TIP2APD to 847411 or using the TIP2APD app.

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