Suspect accused of playing doctor
Accused phony physician offered services without license

By LAURA B. MARTINEZ
The Brownsville Herald

December 20, 2006 — Arthur Daniel Hayes had a white doctor’s coat. He had a building set up to look like a clinic. He had patients that came to him for medical services.

What he didn’t have, investigators say, is a license to practice medicine.

Hayes, 56, was arrested Tuesday in the Harlingen-San Benito area where he and another man have been passing themselves off as doctors, according to the Cameron County District Attorneys Office.

Chuck E. Mattingly Jr., chief first assistant district attorney, said Hayes is charged with practicing without a license, sexual assault and Medicaid fraud.

Hayes and an unidentified partner opened a “clinic” in Harlingen and in San Benito and saw female patients, Mattingly said.

“They set up with what looked like a doctor’s office. They wore doctors’ coats. They presented themselves as doctors.”

Mattingly would not name the clinics.

The second suspect that worked with Hayes has not yet been arrested but both men have been indicted on charges of sexual assault, three counts of practicing medicine without a license, Medicaid Fraud and theft.

Hayes’ bonds totaled $200,000. He remained in custody at the Carrizalez-Rucker Detention Center in Olmito as of press time Tuesday.

Mattingly said the investigation into the operation began as possible Medicaid fraud, in which Hayes is accused of over billing Medicaid.

When questioned by investigators from the Texas Attorney General’s Office, some of his clients said Hayes had performed medical exams, including pelvic exams, breast exams and other procedures for female patients.

The Attorney Generals Office ran a credential check and found Hayes had no license to practice medicine in Texas, Mattingly said.

Any others who may have information in this case are asked to contact the District Attorney’s Office.

lmartinez@brownsvilleherald.com

Posted on Dec 20, 06 | 12:09 am