OAKBROOK TERRACE PSYCHIATRIST FACES FOUR COUNTS OF PRACTICING WITHOUT A LICENSE

WHEATON - DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett announced today that Yong Soo Ha, 67 (d.o.b. 2/03/1940) of 17W 706 Butterfield Road, Oakbrook Terrace, has been charged with four counts of violating the Illinois Medical Practice Act, a Class 4 Felony punishable by up to three years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

              The charges stem from allegations that despite having his medical license revoked in April 2006 by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation, Ha continued to practice psychiatry, treat patients and prescribe medication through April 2007.

             “If these allegations are proven to be true, not only did Mr. Ha break the law, he represented himself to his clients as someone who could help them when, in fact, he was in no position to help them at all,” commented Birkett. 

            On August 7, 2007 a warrant was issued for Ha’s arrest.  He was apprehended yesterday afternoon at his home without incident.  Ha appeared in Bond Court this morning in front of Judge Brian Diamond.  His bail is set at $100,000 with 10% to apply.  Any one with information regarding Ha is asked to call the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office Investigations Division at (630) 407-8000.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt.  A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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