Man convicted of pretending to be a doctor, defrauding patients

PROVIDENCE, R.I. --A man who claimed to be a "natural healer" was convicted in federal court Friday of pretending to be a doctor and defrauding his patients.

Prosecutors said John E. Curran frightened healthy people into thinking they were ill, performed incorrect and unnecessary medical tests and sold clients about $1.3 million worth of treatment and products after providing bogus diagnoses.

A jury found Curran guilty of 18 counts of wire fraud and three counts of money laundering. Each count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Curran's lawyer, Scott Lutes, had described his client as a well-meaning practitioner who never pretended to be a licensed physician.

U.S. District Court Judge Mary Lisi ordered Curran held on court-monitored home confinement until his sentencing Aug. 25.

The state Health Department shut down Curran's East Greenwich medical practice last year.

Federal prosecutors also say Curran sold a product called the "Green Drink," which he said blended compounds that help the human body fight and prevent disease. The drink was actually a commercially available dietary supplement.

Curran claimed to be a physician and "natural healer," a doctor who treats diseases with natural agents like air, water or sunshine.