Local doctor accused of practicing without license

CLEVELAND —  A doctor in Helen was arrested on Tuesday, May 8, by the White County Sheriff’s Office for allegedly practicing without a license. Although, according to arrests records, it’s not the first time Ronald Wheeler, 71, has been accused of this illegal activity.

Wheeler turned himself into the Sarasota County jail located in Florida less than two months ago in March where he was charged with scheming to defraud between $20,000 to $50,000, police said. He posted bail the next day in the amount of $50,000.

Present day, Wheeler, who claims to specialize in prostate cancer diagnoses, faces charges of practicing medicine without a valid license in the state of Georgia.

Wheeler lost his medical license on April 20, 2017, but according to law enforcement continued to see patients and practice medicine, in and out of Georgia.

On Tuesday, the White County Sheriff’s Office along with Helen Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant at 8065 S. Main St., Helen, the location of a newly-opened business for Doctors Ronald Wheeler and Ben Johnson.  

White County Sheriff’s Capt. Rick Kelley said that during the execution of the search warrant Wheeler, 71, was taken into custody. Wheeler posted bond Wednesday morning, Kelley said.

However, according to Kelley, Dr. Johnson has a valid license to practice medicine in Georgia.

Kelley said the investigation in the case is very active and ongoing.

Any patient who has seen or been treated by Wheeler during his time in White County is asked to contact Kelley at (706) 865-5177.