Man known as ‘Grand Warlock’ charged with sexual abuse, allegedly assaulted two women during work as ‘healer’

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah (ABC4) — A man working as a “healer” and Tarot Card reader in West Valley City has been arrested and charged for allegedly sexually assaulting two women during appointments with him. Police believe there may be additional victims in this case, and are asking anyone impacted to contact them.

Jairo Cesar Vasquez Garzon, 57, has been charged with one count of object rape, a first-degree felony, and three counts of forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony.

According to court documents, in early 2024, a victim reported that she had heard a radio advertisement for a “healer” with the “Misioneros De Luz” (Missionaries of the Light) and became interested. The victim contacted the healer and made an appointment with Vasquez Garzon, who was going by “Padre” (Father).

The victim told police that she went to several appointments, and during them, Vasquez Garzon allegedly “prayed over her” and told her “whatever were to happen in the room was to stay between them.” She explained an appointment on Jan. 10, 2024, where Vasquez Garzon wrapped her in a blanket and “sprayed her whole body with a liquid.”

Following this, the victim began “feeling dizzy” and lost consciousness. Documents say that when she woke up, she discovered that Vasquez Garzon had allegedly removed some of her clothing and was sexually assaulting her. The victim reported that she pushed him away, and Vasquez Garzon asked her to make another appointment.

During the investigation of this alleged sexual assault, the West Valley Police Department connected it to an earlier case that had occurred at the same location. This other victim had reported a sexual assault on Aug. 9, 2022.

According to court documents, the victim had gone to an office building for a Tarot Card reading with “Rafael el Brujo Mayor” (Rafael the Grand Warlock) prior to Aug. 9. During this appointment, Vasquez Garzon allegedly wrapped his arms around her and told her, “Anything that happens in the room is to be kept in the room.”

This victim reported that Vasquez Garzon asked her to come back, and she scheduled her next appointment for Aug. 9, 2022. During that appointment, he allegedly forcibly sexually touched her despite the victim asking him repeatedly to stop. The victim pushed Vasquez Garzon off of her, and he allegedly told her not to tell anyone what happened as she was leaving.

After connecting the two cases, West Valley City Police detectives were able to locate a witness who said he believed Vasquez Garzon was the “boss” of Missionaries of the Light. Vasquez Garzon allegedly possessed both Colombian and Mexican passports, and the witness stated that he “governs all people” and performs “consultations and spirituals.”

Both victims positively identified Vasquez Garzon with a photo lineup, police say. He was arrested and booked into the Salt Lake County Jail.

“We are grateful the detective was able to connect these incidents into a single case. Law enforcement officials are concerned that there may be additional victims from this defendant. 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.  The most important part of supporting a survivor is to start by believing them,” Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill is quoted in the press release.

According to the DA’s Office, police believe there may be additional victims in this case, and anyone affected is asked to contact non-emergency dispatch at 801-840-4000.