Accused Fake Dentist Arrested In Davie
DAVIE (CBSMiami) – A man posing as a dentist is in trouble the law in Davie but that's not all. Police say John Collazos is accused of not only practicing dentistry without a license, but also battery against one of his patients.
A SWAT team moved in Wednesday on a Davie business located at 5071 South SR 7 in a vast warehouse district where police arrested Collazos and took him into custody. Police say they had to use SWAT because Collazos frequently had a guard in front of the business and they didn't know what to expect.
Davie police said their investigation began about two months ago.
"Back in July, a victim came forward and indicated there was a person here practicing dentistry. There were some concerns that she had, one of her visits the individual made overt sexual comments and made her feel uncomfortable," said Davie Police Capt. Dale Engle. "We served a search warrant and inside there was a lot of dental equipment. A room was set up as a dental office. At this time he's charged with four counts of practicing dentistry without a license, four counts of using dental equipment and one count of simple battery."
Davie Police released several photographs of the inside of the business where they found a dental chair and lots of equipment used in a dental practice.
Neighboring business owners told CBS4's Joan Murray about a handful of patients showed up every day.
Carlos Mier said he knew Collazos was unlicensed but he understands why some people would choose to see him anyway.
"A lot of people are struggling. I know in this country you should be certified and everything else to license to practice but hey he's got to make a living."
Police said many of the victims are illegal immigrants who can't afford to go to a regular dentist due to a lack of insurance.
Police said four victims have been identified and this is an on-going investigation.
"He was preying on people whose immigration status is questionable and have no other place to go," said Capt. Engle.
Engle also said that Hollywood police have been looking for Collazos for two years. They say a woman came forward in that city leveling similar charges but Collazos disappeared when they came to arrest him.
Colazzos will make his first appearance in Bond Court on Thursday morning.
