A Whatcom County massage therapist has been suspended from practicing in Washington after state officials cited a stalking conviction and disturbing new felony allegations they say pose an “immediate threat to public health, safety, or welfare.”
The Washington State Department of Health suspended the credential of Collin Noah Ruginski following an emergency action approved by a health law judge, according to newly released state records.
In a formal Statement of Charges, health officials allege that Ruginski engaged in a prolonged campaign of stalking and online abuse targeting a former girlfriend, including creating fake online accounts in her name and posting sexually explicit content without consent.
According to the filing, investigators say Ruginski used the victim’s identity to post “intimate and sexually graphic images” and falsely portrayed her as a willing participant in violent sexual fantasies, “inviting strangers online to rape [her].”
State records further allege he shared identifying personal information — including her school, schedule, car description, license plate, and birthdate — “with the intention that the information would allow strangers to find and assault [her].”
Ruginski pleaded guilty in April 2025 to domestic violence–stalking, a gross misdemeanor, in Whatcom County District Court. Since that conviction, prosecutors have filed additional charges in Whatcom County Superior Court, including felony stalking, harassment, criminal impersonation, disclosing intimate images, and felony cyber harassment.
Ruginski was arrested in September 2025, and the felony case is scheduled for a jury trial in February 2026, court records show.
In granting the emergency suspension, Health Law Judge Timothy Talkington concluded that the allegations were fundamentally incompatible with safe professional practice. The judge found that allowing Ruginski to continue practicing massage therapy would constitute “an immediate threat to the public health, safety, or welfare.”
As part of the order, Ruginski is immediately barred from practicing massage therapy anywhere in Washington and must surrender all professional credentials to the state pending further disciplinary proceedings.
Ruginski has the right to request a hearing to challenge the suspension, according to the Department of Health. If he fails to do so or the allegations are upheld, he could face permanent disciplinary action under state law.
Anyone who believes a health care provider has acted unprofessionally is encouraged to report concerns to the Department of Health at 360-236-4700.
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