2nd Boulder Shambhala Member Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Child

BOULDER, CO — A second former member of Boulder Shambhala Center has been accused of sexually assaulting a child, the Boulder Police Department said Friday.

Michael Smith, 54, is accused of sexual assault on a child by a person in a position of trust, police said.

A woman said she was sexually assaulted by Smith several times beginning in 1997 when she was 13 years old, police said. She was introduced to Smith through his membership in the Boulder Shambhala.

A second woman also came forward and said she was assaulted by Smith when she was 11 years old at a Buddhist retreat center in Barnet, Vermont, police said. Vermont detectives are investigating the case.

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Both women came forward after learning that a former member of the Boulder Shambhala, Bill Karelis, had been arrested and charged with sexual assault on a child, police said.

Boulder police said they believe there may be more victims. Anyone with information is asked to call Boulder Police Det. Ross Richart at 303-441-1833.