Dr. Love Facing Charges for Fraud in Florida

“Fake it till you make it” is generally good advice for aspiring artists, musicians, and more. Not so good for doctors, however. In fact, because you need a medical license to practice medicine, it’s illegal to fake being a doctor until you get your medical degree. Operating a medical clinic without a license is illegal, and forging certification of your credentials is also illegal.

One West Palm Beach 23-year-old is learning this the hard way. Malachai Love Robinson, known to others as Dr. Love, is facing charges of fraud and grand theft. Dr. Love had spent time in prison before. As a teenager, he pleaded guilty to practicing medicine without a license, fraud, and more. As a 23-year-old, he is facing charges for fraud and grand theft after diverting money owed to his shipping company to his own personal bank account.

Faking Being a Real Doctor

When it comes to professional certification, faking it till you make it is a crime. Telling people you have a Ph.D. or an M.D. when you do not is a crime. Robinson had his own office, a lab coat, and a stethoscope to sell the fraud. Robinson claimed that he never told clients that he had an M.D. but rather presented himself as a naturopathic doctor, or someone who deals with home or alternative remedies. He was convicted of stealing more than $30,000 from an elderly client.

Now, Robinson is accused of stealing $10,000 from his employer. Robinson reportedly spoke with the company’s clients and asked them to send money directly to his personal checking account as opposed to the company account.

Grand Theft Charges

In Florida, grand theft is the unlawful acquisition of money or property that is valued at $300 or more. The sentences escalate depending on how much money or valuables were stolen. In this case, Robinson is facing a second charge of grand theft after the first charge of fraud. This crime, in many ways, is similar to his other crime. He posed as someone he was not authorized to pose as and he deprived his employer of money with the intent to keep that money and use it for himself.

Since Robinson’s theft was between $300 and $20,000, he will face third-degree felony charges. A third-degree felony is punishable by up to 5 years in state prison.

Additionally, since Robinson made intentional misrepresentations to others in order to facilitate the theft, he will also face charges related to wire fraud. That is likely to be charged as another third-degree felony.

Since this is Robinson’s second charge with a nearly identical MO, the law will not be kind to him by giving him a slap on the wrist. Robinson will likely be seeing prison time and may receive a maximum of ten years minus any exigent circumstances that may have impelled the theft.

Talk to a West Palm Beach Criminal Defense Attorney

If you’re being charged with a serious crime, call the West Palm Beach criminal attorneys with years of experience arguing in front of the court. The Skier Law Firm, P.A. can help get the charges reduced, dismissed, or get a not-guilty verdict at trial.

Resource:

tampabay.com/news/crime/2021/01/01/fake-teen-doctor-known-as-dr-love-arrested-again-on-fraud-charges-in-florida/

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