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Colorado Springs police looking for more possible victims of 'shaman' accused of sexual assault

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Police in Colorado Springs are looking for more possible victims of a man arrested in early September who is accused of sexual assaulting women during events he called “holistic healing sessions.”

Colorado Springs police say they arrested Richard Ortega, 57, on sexual assault and unlawful sexual contact charges on Sept. 5 – more than three months after they were first told by several women that he had sexually assaulted them.

According to police, Ortega met many alleged victims at events and group meetings involving the Native American community and that he identified himself as a shaman.

Police said that in the months since the first victims came forward, others have done so as well. But they say they believe he may have more victims that have not been identified or come forward to speak with investigators.

CSPD said it was “unable” to release Ortega’s mugshot on Monday to preserve the integrity of the investigation. But it asked anyone who might believe they are a victim of his to contact the department at 719-444-7000.