A self-proclaimed healer and tarot card reader in Utah is facing serious accusations and multiple charges involving sexual abuse of his clients. Jairo Cesar Vasquez Garzon, 57, known as "Rafael The Grand Warlock," has been charged with three counts of second-degree felony forcible sexual abuse and one count of first-degree felony object rape. The Salt Lake County District Attorney, Sim Gill, announced the charges, highlighting the bravery of the survivors for coming forward.
According to KUTV, one of the victims sought Garzon's services after hearing an advertisement on the radio. Following a series of appointments, she was allegedly sprayed with a liquid by Garzon that rendered her unconscious. She awoke to find herself being sexually assaulted, as per the charges filed. Officials, concerned that there may be more victims, are encouraging anyone with similar experiences to come forward.
With a warrant issued for his arrest, Garzon, associated with the group "Misioneros de la Luz" (Missionaries of the Light), has been accused of committing these alleged acts at his practice in West Valley City. Investigators connected this year's accusations to a similar report at the same location from 2022, as stated in the charging documents.
These documents, as reported by The Salt Lake Tribune, further detail that during a tarot reading, Garzon told a client, "Anything that happens in the room is to be kept in the room," and "no one needs to know what happens in the room," before sexually abusing her in a follow-up meeting. Despite this concern, Garzon has been advised by the district attorney's office to call the non-emergency police number with any additional allegations.
Sim Gill emphasized the importance of believing survivors, as quoted by Gephardt Daily, saying, "The most important part of supporting a survivor is to start by believing them." The district attorney also recognized the work by the West Valley City Police Department in connecting the separate incidents to build a case against Garzon. While the charges are serious, Gill reiterates that "All persons accused of wrongdoing are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law."
