Crime & Safety

Fake Cancer Curing Doctor Trial to Begin

Opening statements are expected Tuesday in the trial of a La Mesa man accused of posing as a doctor and promising patients he could cure cancer and HIV.

Jury selection got under way Monday for the trial of Keith Barton, 51, who faces multiple felony counts of treating people without a license and grand theft.

Authorities allege the defendant called himself "Dr. Barton" and promised to cure a woman and her children of HIV. One of the children subsequently died as a result of not receiving effective treatment after the mother paid Barton $18,000, prosecutors allege.

Find out what's happening in La Mesa-Mount Helixwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

According to authorities, Barton is not a licensed medical doctor but shares his first and last name with a real medical doctor who is licensed in California. Barton allegedly used that fact to create the impression that he was a licensed professional.

Barton was arrested last Jan. 8 and later posted $100,000 bail.

Find out what's happening in La Mesa-Mount Helixwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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