Regina addictions counsellor jailed for drugging a former client

A former addictions counsellor in Regina will serve time in jail for drugging and planning to sexually assault a woman he formerly treated.

Jason Kotyk, 52, was sentenced Monday in Regina Court of King's Bench on charges including administering a noxious substance with intent.

He previously pleaded guilty to placing Tramadol, a powerful opioid, in the wine glass of a woman he had invited to his home on June 11, 2022.

At the time, Kotyk worked at Susan Ulmer Addiction Services in Regina counselling people in overcoming their addictions.

Court heard that Kotyk and the woman he admitted to drugging had developed a personal relationship after their counselling sessions ended and that on June 11, 2022, the  woman brought two bottles of wine to Kotyk's home.

After drinking some wine, the woman noticed it was foaming and saw pills in her glass.

The woman left and contacted the Regina Police Service, according to an agreed statement of facts cited by Justice Crystal Norbeck.

When police arrived, they said Kotyk admitted to drugging the woman and showed them the location in his home where they could find the Tramadol.

He also admitted that he intended to sexually assault the woman after drugging her, according to the court.

The Crown had asked for a three-year prison sentence, while the defence argued for a sentence of two years less a day to be served in the community.

Norbeck sentenced Kotyk to eight months in jail, less time served, which leaves him with two months left to serve, followed by 18 months probation.

According to Kotyk's LinkedIn profile, he has worked in several sectors with vulnerable people, including Ranch Ehrlo as a director from 1994 to 2017. Ranch Ehrlo confirmed Kotyk's past employment.

A representative of Susan Ulmer Addiction Services confirmed Kotyk's employment there, saying he was fired after the assault was revealed. 

Court also heard Monday that while Kotyk was on bail for administering a noxious substance to the woman he formerly counselled, he committed another sexual assault. Kotyk also has previously pleaded guilty and been sentenced for that assault.

On Monday, Norbeck placed Kotyk on the national sex offender registry for life. Kotyk must also submit DNA to the sex offender registry and is prohibited from possessing firearms for 10 years after his release from jail.