A man charged in a series of sexual assaults across Burnaby and Vancouver was a DJ for a local “alternative Christian community” and is undergoing a divorce, records and interviews show.

Michal Popek, charged with four attacks on women, including two on Burnaby trails and one Vancouver home invasion, is an occasional DJ with More Than 12 Alternative Christian Community, which makes music a big part of its services.

“To be honest with you I was shocked in grief but I wasn’t surprised,” said Tania Fiolleau, who was a member of More Than 12 last year.

Fiolleau met Popek at More Than 12, and hired him to do some work on her condo. She said he did not seem like a predator.

“I have never gotten the sense he was violent towards women,” she said.

But the recent charges have her rethinking her impressions. 

“There were some signs he was swaying away from God. Backsliding somewhat,” she said.

Tracked down by CTV News at his Surrey home, the pastor of More Than 12 said he was not able to answer questions.

“I’m in the middle of lunch. I can’t talk right now,” said Pastor Jeff Wong.

Popek was one of six men police singled out in a press conference last week, saying they used high-tech crime data analysis to help solve more than a dozen crimes.

He does not appear to have previous convictions in B.C. Court records show he is in the midst of a divorce. His wife did not return messages.

On his answering machine, he identifies himself as “Michael, from Precision Flooring and Home Renovations.” 

Popek appeared in Vancouver Provincial Court Monday morning by video link. He was wearing an orange jumpsuit and sat quietly while the court said his next appearance would be on May 25.

Also appearing by video link was another accused assailant, Jason Anthony White.

White is facing charges for a home invasion that left an 86-year-old woman with a broken hand. White already served eight years for sexually assaulting a 74-year-old in 1999.

“That’s the type of evidence and reasoning the Crown can’t use. Just because someone did something years ago doesn’t mean they did it now,” said White’s lawyer, Bobby Movassaghi.

Neither White nor Popek have been convicted.

“I wish the best for him and hope he gets his life right,” Fiolleau said. “If he’s guilty I hope justice prevails and if not I hope he gets off.”