Former Cobb Doctor Practiced Without License: Conviction

COBB COUNTY, GA — A former doctor has been convicted of practicing medicine without a license, according to a release from the Cobb County District Attorney.

Nathaniel Johnson III, a former doctor of the Hello Beautiful cosmetic surgery clinic in Vinings, was convicted of dozens of felony charges alongside Peter Ulbrich, the release says. Ulbrich's medical license is suspended.

Shannon Williams, a medical assistant at the clinic, was also found guilty of 11 felony counts of theft and practicing without a license.

According to the release, Johnson was convicted in 2014 in Fulton County of Medicaid fraud, conspiracy to defraud the state and practicing medicine without a license.

When he was released from jail in early 2015, the release says, he went right back to work at the Hello Beautiful cosmetic surgery clinic.

Ulbrich was a doctor at the time and was brought on to "lend legitimacy to the clinic," the release says. Johnson claimed to be an administrator while Ulbrich was the doctor. However, the release says, Johnson kept performing surgeries like liposuction, fat transfers and Brazilian butt lifts, bringing in thousands of dollars for these procedures.

See more on Patch:

• Police: Bogus Cosmetic Surgeon Is At Large
• Police Searching for Victims of Bogus Plastic Surgeon

In summer 2016, a patient tried to report Johnson to the Georgia Composite Medical Board, the release says. However, they only have power over licensed doctors, so they referred the case to Cobb Police, who began a criminal investigation. More patients came forward, saying Johnson had performed procedures, but that they didn't know Johnson was unlicensed.

Over 30 patients testified in trial that Johnson provided medical care to them in 2015 and 2016 and that they didn't know he was unlicensed, the release says.

Williams had referred to Johnson as "Dr. Johnson," patients testified, adding to the deception, the release says. She also assisted Johnson throughout the care process including consultation, in the surgery room and aftercare.

“The jurors in this case gave up three weeks of their lives so that justice could be done. I applaud their diligence, and I’m thankful that the defendants will no longer be able to peddle the lie that Nathaniel Johnson is a doctor,” Senior Assistant District Attorney Jason Marbutt said in the release.

Johnson and Ulbrich were each convicted of dozens of felony counts including racketeering, theft by deception and practicing medicine without a license.

Williams was convicted of 11 felony counts of theft and practicing medicine without a license.

All three defendants were returned to custody. Sentencing will be on Dec. 4.