A Florida teenager who allegedly practised as a doctor whilst holding no medical qualifications, opened his own surgery and treated patients, has been offered a plea deal.
If accepted, Malachi Love-Robinson would spend three years in prison and five years in probation.
The 18-year-old from West Palm Beach in Florida was arrested in February after he was accused of practicing medicine without a license.
His arrest followed his family and friends calling the Florida Health Department to report him, fearing the alleged malpractice would “injure someone or their children”.
The supposed "doctor" reportedly put their claims down to “jealousy” now that he had become “successful”.
Mr Love-Robinson denied the charges and claimed he never said he was a medical doctor. He said he has a doctorate from the Universal Life Church, which can be bought online for $29.95.
“I am a well rounded professional that treats, and cares for patients, using a system of practice that bases treatment of physiological functions and abnormal conditions on natural laws governing the human body,” a previous entry on a "find a doctor" website read.
Neither Mr Love-Robinson nor his lawyer Andrew Stine would comment whether they would accept or reject the plea bargain.
He faces several charges including fraud and grand theft.
If he pleads guilty, Mr Love-Robinson will receive the plea deal. If he does not accept the deal, he will face trial in July and could face harsher punishment if found guilty.
Additional reporting by the Associated Press.
