A Cape Coral man is now behind bars for allegedly practicing medicine without a license, according to LCSO.
A Crime Stoppers tip led undercover detectives to Medical Centers of Lehigh Acres. There, they found 36-year-old Elio Fernandez-Trueba illegally prescribing medication.
When deputies asked Fernandez-Trueba if he was Doctor Fernandez, he responded "yes," and was immediately arrested.
Four in Your Corner's Lisa Greenberg went to his home. No one answered, but someone did come to the door to lock it.
Ron Bartley saw Fernandez-Trueba as a patient for two years.
"He told me he was a physicians assistant," Bartley said. "He had told me that he was a medical professional in Cuba and then came over here."
While he said it is cause for concern, he was happy with his care.
"I wouldn't hesitate to see him again now, should he ever become licensed," Bartley said.
Another patient told Four in Your Corner he has diabetes, and his health has been declining since he started seeing Fernandez-Trueba.
Attorney Mike Chionopoulous said patients like him should immediately report the situation to the Florida Medical Board. He said if Medical Center of Lehigh Acres knew he didn't have a license, they could face trouble.
"They could be sued. They could also be charged criminally," Chionopoulous said.
Four in Your Corner reached out to Medical Center of Lehigh Acres to see if they knew Fernandez-Trueba didn't have a license. They said the woman I need to speak with about this wouldn't be in the office until Tuesday.
Fernandez was arrested and charged with practicing medicine without an active license.
He has since been released on a $5,000 bond and is scheduled to be in court April 3rd.
