BRONX D.A.: ARRAIGNMENT FOR “DR. VAL” FOR PRACTICING DENTISTRY WITHOUT LICENSE

APPOINTMENT FOR “DR. VAL” IN COURT

Woman Indicted for Operating as a Dentist Without a License

(Bronx, NY – April 16, 2015) – She called herself “Dr. Val” –but it’s alleged that VALBONA YZEIRAJ (pron: ZAY-ratch) is not only not a doctor – but also that the dental procedures she performed harmed her patients.  Now, the 45-year-old woman faces criminal charges in the Bronx, announces Bronx County District Attorney Robert Johnson, as YZIERAJ was arraigned this afternoon on the Supreme Court indictment which charged:

Assault in the 2^nd Degree (Class D Felony, 2 counts)

                Assault in the 3^rd Degree (Class A Misdemeanor, 2 counts)

                Unauthorized Practice (NYS Education Law §6512) (Class E Felony, 5 counts)

Attempted Grand Larceny in the 3^rd Degree (Class E Felony, 1 count)

Reckless Endangerment in the 2^nd Degree (Class A Misdemeanor, 3 counts)

It is alleged that VALBONA YZEIRAJ of White Plains, NY, claimed to have had dental training in her home country of Albania, but was neither trained nor licensed in the United States.  She is accused of treating patients at the office of Dr. Jeffrey Schoengold, at 3800 Independence Avenue, where she worked as an office manager.  Some of her dental procedures, which included root canals, came with a bite – it’s alleged that at least one patient got an infection from a botched root canal, and another suffers persistent pain two years after treatment.

The illegal dental practice is alleged to have been conducted between late 2012 and the summer of 2013, out of Dr. Schoengold’s offices, “Dr. Val” seeing patients when he was not there.  When the dentist discovered her activities, YZEIRAJ was fired.  But it is further alleged when she left, she attempted to take money from the practice.

YZEIRAJ pled not guilty to the charges before Supreme Court Justice Steven Barrett.  Bail was set at $20K bond/$10K cash and her case has been adjourned to May 28^th.  Justice Barrett also barred her from working anywhere in regard to dentistry for the duration of her case.

If convicted of the charges, VALBONA YZEIRAJ faces up to seven years behind bars.  The charges in this indictment are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case against YZEIRAJ is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Patrick McCadden and Corrine Fisk of the Arson/Auto/Economic Crime Bureau.  The arrest was made by Detective Lionel Holman of the Bronx D.A.’s Detective Squad, which is led by Commanding Officer Captain Brian Franklin.