Man accused of practicing medicine without license

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- For several years, Emanuel Molinar had seen patients at the Harrisburg Clinic in Houston's East End. A lot of them called him "doctor."

On Monday, Molinar was released on $5,000 bond after being arrested and charged with practicing medicine without a license.

According to his attorney, Molinar is indeed a doctor. He graduated from medical school in Mexico, practiced there, then moved to the US.

Michael Lamson, who is Molinar's attorney, says his client operated under the supervision of two clinic physicians who do hold Texas medical licenses.

A spokesman for the Texas Medical Board says it's against state law to treat, diagnose or give a patient a physical exam without a proper medical license. The agency was also unaware of the case involving Molinar.

Law enforcement sources say the arrest followed a visit by an undercover officer who saw Molinar at the clinic. The officer claimed to have a sore throat, and was offered an injection to treat it. The injection was declined.

The same sources also say a patient accused Molinar of performing a pap smear and taking a picture.

Molinar's attorney questions both of those allegations, saying, "if that happened why isn't he charged with that?"

The clinic did not comment on the arrest.

His first court appearance is scheduled for next month.