Chiropractor Pleads to Felony Practicing Medicine without License, Grand Theft

DATE: February 14, 2018

CASE: James Joseph Martin (Case #16FE010473)

PROSECUTOR: Deputy District Attorney David Brown, Consumer & Environmental Protection Division

James Joseph Martin pled guilty to three counts of practicing medicine without a license, four counts of grand theft by false pretenses and misdemeanor charges of illegally using ‘MD’ and ‘physician’ in advertisements.

Martin regularly appeared on a local television program, Sac & Co.  His infomercials were designed to look like an interview.  Martin, a licensed chiropractor, portrayed himself as a functional neurologist who practiced metabolic or pastoral medicine, specializing in treating conditions of the thyroid, neuropathy and other health conditions.  Many of Martin’s patients thought he was a medical doctor.  Some patients paid thousands of dollars for his treatment, which primarily consisted of Martin prescribing over the counter supplements and then selling them at a significant mark up.

Martin will be sentenced to 1 year in jail and ordered to pay restitution to all victims named in the complaint.  Additionally, he will be on felony probation for 5 years, required to surrender his chiropractic license and prohibited from portraying himself as someone who practices functional or pastoral medicine.

Sentencing is set for May 29, 2018, at 8:30 a.m. in Department 62 before the Honorable Patrick Marlette.

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