9NEWS.com | Denver | Colorado's Online News Leader | Physician arrested in undercover medical marijuana sting

AURORA -9Wants to Know has learned a doctor has been arrested on suspicion of felony charges tied to illegal marijuana distribution following a five-month-long investigation by Aurora Police.
Dr. Manuel Aquino-Villaman was arrested at his practice, Canna Health, on Thursday. The 69-year-old physician is expected to face charges of conspiracy to distribute marijuana and attempting to influence a public servant, both felonies.

Aurora Police say officers became suspicious when they encountered a disproportionate number of medical marijuana patients with paperwork authorized by Aquino-Villaman.

A five-month investigation into the doctor's practices included a sting where two undercover police officers obtained signed doctor's certificates allowing them to buy marijuana.

Police say Aquino-Villaman spent a few minutes with each undercover officer, did not physically examine either and did not request medical documentation before issuing medical marijuana physician's certificates. The cost for each consultation was $120.

Canna Health's website says the clinic, in the 3000 block of South Parker Road, offers a "stress-free environment" where patients receive "convenient, reliable medical advice and evaluations at an affordable cost."

A clinic employee called the arrest "harassment" on Friday, but said Canna Health would decline to discuss the incident due to lack of information. The employee indicated Aquino-Villaman was not in the office Friday.

Aquino-Villaman was held at the Aurora Detention Center before being released on $6,000 bond.

Aquino-Villaman has not been subject to any public punitive actions against his medical license since it was issued in 2007, according to the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies' website. Aquino-Villaman received his medical training at the University of Barcelona in Spain, said a department spokesman.

Aquino-Villaman is also registered to practice medicine in Michigan. The Michigan Department of Community Health's website does not indicate any disciplinary action or open formal complaints against Aquino-Villaman.


(KUSA-TV © 2010 Multimedia Holdings Corporation)
Nosmo33 Reviewed by Nosmo33 on . And now it begins.... 9NEWS.com | Denver | Colorado's Online News Leader | Physician arrested in undercover medical marijuana sting AURORA -9Wants to Know has learned a doctor has been arrested on suspicion of felony charges tied to illegal marijuana distribution following a five-month-long investigation by Aurora Police. Dr. Manuel Aquino-Villaman was arrested at his practice, Canna Health, on Thursday. The 69-year-old physician is expected to face charges of conspiracy to distribute marijuana and attempting Rating: 5