Fake doctor performs numerous abortions www.privateofficer.com
Posted by privateofficernews on June 22, 2008
Fake doctor performs numerous abortions www.privateofficer.com
Police have been conducting an investigation into allegations that a woman was pretending to be a doctor and had performed numerous abortions.
Police say that a 48-year-old woman, who allegedly had been performing abortions while pretending to be a doctor at Clinica Medica de la Mujer in Chula Vista, was arrested and charged Thursday with 10 felonies and one misdemeanor, authorities said yesterday.
Bertha Pinedo Bugarin posed as a medical doctor to unsuspecting Spanish-speaking patients in the South Bay, charging $500 for abortions, the District Attorney’s Office said. In some cases, patients would return for repeat procedures because the operation was unsuccessful the first time.
Charges include performing medical procedures without a license and grand theft. If convicted, Bugarin could face more than nine years in prison.
At least nine victims in the South Bay have come forward. Authorities said she performed abortions there in February and March 2007 and are investigating to see how many other woman may have been victimized by this fake doctor.
Bugarin also operated five other abortion clinics in Southern California, officials said.
Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Bugarin or has information about the case is asked to call the California Medical Board at (858) 467-6830.
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