Fake Dentist Arrested In Dallas: Police Seeking More Victims Of The Illegal Practice

A fake dentist arrested, along with his assistant, by police in Dallas, Texas, on Thursday (June 25) is now facing numerous charges.

Mario Sabillon-Mejia, 33, and Tiffany Gonzalez, 41, were arrested Wednesday afternoon and face charges of practicing medicine without a license and possession of dangerous drugs. Practicing medicine without a license is considered a felony while the drug possession charges are misdemeanors.

Police were alerted to the fake dentist when a woman came forward stating she had developed an infection in her mouth after five of her teeth were removed by Sabillon-Mejia.

Erika Martinez explained to police that she did not have any insurance for dental care. She asked her friend for the name of a dentist and was given the name of the fake dentist who was arrested. Sabillon-Mejia introduced himself to Martinez as a licensed dentist and introduced Gonzalez as his assistant. The woman negotiated a price of $1,500 with the dentist to be paid in three increments. The woman was to pay $500 for the initial exam, the teeth extractions, and a follow-up appointment.

The fake dentist arrived at the Matinez’s home on May 25 to do the procedure. The victim recounted that she was given a mystery drug for pain and was forcibly held down on her couch by the fake dentist while he removed five of her teeth. Martinez’s mother was there during the time of the procedure.

Erika Martinez began to experience a lot of pain and developed an infection after the procedure. The woman decided to contact police shortly thereafter, and an investigation was launched on June 4. Martinez was able to identify the fake dentist and his assistant in a police lineup in Dallas on June 8. A little over two weeks later, the pair was arrested. Lieutenant Tony Crawford with the Financial Crimes Unit of the Dallas Police Department commented on how dangerous this type of case is.

“Anytime you practice medicine without a license, not knowing what you’re doing, you’re going to cause people irreparable harm, even death.”

After the fake dentist was arrested, police seized items that are commonly used in a licensed dental practice. Police found multiple types of dental instruments, denture materials, and the drugs carbocaine and lidocaine. Police also recovered a book that shows up to 50 other patients were treated by the fake dental team and evidence that the duo may have been providing fake dental treatment in Houston. Police are asking that anyone who received dental treatment from Sabillon-Mejia should call Sergeant Richard Santiesteban at 214-671-3517.

[Image via NBC 5 News]