Bench warrant issued for arrest of diet clinic operator

Friday, Feb. 27, 1998 | 2:53 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Jerry K. Poulsen, who operated two diet clinics in Las Vegas, failed to show up for his arraignment in district court Friday on charges of practicing medicine without a license and unlawful use of the title of "M. D."

District Judge Joseph Bonaventure issued a bench warrant for his arrest.

The Clark County Grand Jury earlier this month issued an 11 felony count indictment against Poulsen, 57, accusing him of treating patients between December 1996 and June 1997 without a medical license.

He operated the Chrysalis Medical Weight Management and Wellness Centers at two locations in Clark County (2500 West Sahara Avenue and 501 South Rancho Drive).

Poulsen has a license to practice medicine in Utah but a disciplinary case is pending there against him. He is described as white, 6'2", 280 pounds with dark brown hair that is graying. He may have a beard.

If convicted, he faces a maximum prison term of 44 year and a fine up to $55,000.

The state Board of Medical Examiners initially investigated Poulsen's operations at the West Sahara diet clinic which prompted the state Board of Pharmacy to seized controlled substances from the clinic early last year.

The case was then submitted by the state to the Clark County District Attorney's Office for prosecution.

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