Health Watchdogs Take A Bite Out Of Crime

A 68-year-old man is under investigation by the state Department of Health on suspicion of illegally making dentures.

After 12 of his patients filed complaints, Kennewick police arrested Reuben T. Johnson this week. He was held overnight at the Benton County Jail and released without being charged.

Benton County officials are considering whether to charge Johnson with practicing unlicensed denturing.

A state investigator began looking into the case about four months ago. Nick Lorentz, a state health care investigator from Spokane, recently turned his report over to the Benton County prosecutor.

Details of the health department report were not available Friday.

Some of Johnson’s patients complained to the state about unsanitary conditions in the office, his lack of a license and a request that they pay in cash, Kennewick police spokesman Mike Blatman said.

Johnson could not be reached for comment.

Washington voters passed an initiative in 1994 requiring denturists to be licensed by the state Health Department. License requirements include completing two years of school and passing a written and practical test.