Is this the first arrest of a Doctor?

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Cops: Aurora doctor wrote fake med-pot recommendations - The Denver Post

Cops: Aurora doctor wrote fake med-pot recommendations
By Howard Pankratz
The Denver Post
POSTED: 07/09/2010 02:25:47 PM MDT
UPDATED: 07/09/2010 02:27:26 PM MDT

Manuel Aquino-Villaman

Aurora police have arrested a doctor they say wrote false recommendations for medical marijuana.

Manuel Aquino-Villaman, 69, who is licensed in Colorado to practice medicine, came to the attention of narcotics investigators when they began to encounter a disproportionate number of patients in possession of recommendations from Aquino-Villaman, said a statement issued by Aurora Police spokesman Bob Friel.

Investigators allege that Aquino-Villaman wrote "medical marijuana physician's certificates" for people who were not ill. The certificates allow individuals to legally purchase marijuana.

"This is an unfortunate case of a doctor deliberately using the facade of 'medical marijuana' to help distribute large amounts of marijuana illegally," said Aurora Police Chief Daniel Oates.

According to Aurora police, undercover officers visited Aquino-Villaman, who gave each of the officers a recommendation for marijuana without physically examining them and without any evidence that the undercover officers were ill.

The doctor signed a card for both officers stating that each was complaining of severe pain and eligible to obtain medical marijuana under Colorado law.

Investigators allege that Aquino-Villaman spent just minutes with the officers and charged them $125 for the appointment.

After seeing the undercover officers, Aquino-Villaman was arrested at his office at 3033 S. Parker Road.

He is being held for investigation of attempting to influence a public servant and conspiracy to distribute marijuana.

His bond has been set at $6,000.
copobo Reviewed by copobo on . Aurora continues battle against patients... and doctors Is this the first arrest of a Doctor? -- Cops: Aurora doctor wrote fake med-pot recommendations - The Denver Post Cops: Aurora doctor wrote fake med-pot recommendations By Howard Pankratz The Denver Post POSTED: 07/09/2010 02:25:47 PM MDT Rating: 5