The Florida Department of Health (DOH) South Florida Unlicensed Activity Unit (ULA) announced today that its joint investigation with the Palm Beach County Multi Agency Diversion Task Force (PBC-MADTF) and the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office has led to the September 30, 2010 arrest of James Valencia in connection with the unlicensed practice of Medicine a third degree felony, which is punishable by up to five years in prison.
James Valencia is the brother of Dr. Lucy Valencia, who was arrested on April 29, 2010 by PBC-MADTF and charged with multiple counts of Trafficking in Oxycodone, Unlawful Prescription of a Controlled Substance, and fraud involving the prescription of a Controlled Substance. These activities are alleged to have occurred at her medical practice located in Wellington, Florida.
While Dr. Lucy Valencia was under house arrest and not allowed to return to her practice, James Valencia continued to work at her office and allegedly on at least one occasion did sign a referral for a patient to receive diagnostic testing. James Valencia, who also resides in Wellington, was the subject of an arrest warrant issued on September 28, 2010. He surrendered to authorities at the Palm Beach County Jail and was charged with one count of Practicing Medicine without a License, a violation of Florida Statute 458.327.
James Valencia is not licensed to practice any health care profession in Florida.
Dr. Lucy Valencia is currently under an Emergency Suspension Order issued by the Department of Health.
