A man who worked as a tarot card reader and “healer” in Utah has been charged with multiple counts of sexual assault, according to the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office. Jairo Cesar Vasquez Garzon, 57, faces three counts of second-degree felony forcible sexual abuse and one count of first-degree felony object rape involving two women.
According to prosecutors, Garzon operated under the name “Rafael El Brujo Mayor,” or “Rafael The Grand Warlock,” with an organization called “Misioneros de la Luz.” Authorities say he lured women to his business after advertising on the radio.
“We applaud the survivors in this case for coming forward to help ensure that the defendant can be held accountable and to help stop these alleged actions from happening to others,” District Attorney Sim Gill said in a statement.
One woman reported to West Valley City police that she had been sexually assaulted by Garzon during a session. She told investigators she lost consciousness after Garzon sprayed her body with a liquid. When she woke up, she said her bra was off and Garzon was hugging her while sexually assaulting her. She pushed him away and left after he advised her to book another appointment.
While investigating this report, police learned of another incident at the same location more than a year earlier. In that case, another woman reported being touched inappropriately by Garzon during what was supposed to be a tarot card reading session. Both women identified Garzon as their assailant in a photo lineup.
Court documents state that prosecutors are seeking a no-bail warrant for Garzon due to concerns he may flee; he holds both Mexican and Colombian passports and traveled to Mexico in late December without returning.
Police believe there may be additional victims and have asked anyone with information about similar incidents involving Garzon or his business to contact them at 801-840-4000.
West Valley City is located about ten miles southwest of Salt Lake City.