A California man practicing medicine without a valid doctor's license has been accused of giving prescriptions to cancer patients that included expired drugs, empty capsules, various powders, and a "baggie of dirt." The fake doctor, who operated a website that advertised several cancer treatments, has been arrested by law enforcement and hit with multiple criminal charges.
Vincent Gammill, a 69-year-old Bay Area resident, is charged with providing several fake cancer treatments to a late-stage patient who contacted him as a last resort. She had spotted his website years ago.
The site is for the "National Oncology Institute." It claims that Gammill is a pharmaceutical expert, has developed cancer vaccines, and focuses on natural products, according to SF Weekly. It claims that nothing was ever sold.
Gammill allegedly told a Ventura County victim that she should change the medication dosage prescribed by her primary doctor. The bill was $2,000.
He supposedly handed the anonymous woman several Ziploc plastic baggies. They were filed with various items including liquids, powders, expired medications, and a baggie of dirt, which he allegedly said could burn a hole in a tabletop when mixed together, according to San Francisco Chronicle.
She then consumed an elixir capsule. When a burning sensation started in her stomach, Gammill reportedly told her it was a good sign of active ingredients.
After the woman complained to authorities, a Ventura County crimes unit was unable to find records of Gammill's medical training. His website offered "alternative" cancer treatments.
The trickster has been hit with several criminal charges, including a fake medical practice, prescribing drugs without a license, and adult abuse. His court date is August 31.
Public officials found several items in Gammill's home and office. They include 25,000 prescription pills such as morphine and steroids, Mexican and Russian drugs, and lab equipment.
Gammill told KNTV that he does not treat cancer patients. He argued that he offers an alternative medicine "program" that he personally used, and denied that he gave his accuser a bag of dirt.