SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) An unlicensed tooth doctor who called himself “El Dentista'' has pleaded not guilty to charges of illegally practicing dentistry, possession of dangerous drugs and other charges stemming from allegations he operated a mobile dentistry out of a sedan in Santa Fe.
Thirty-six-year-old Eliver Kestler was arraigned Monday after being arrested and jailed in April after a patient called police. He was indicted Thursday on a total of 9 charges. The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that a prosecutor says Kestler could face 12 years if convicted on the current charges.
However, Assistant District Attorney Mark Pustay says Kestler could face a total of 76 years in prison because he was previously convicted of similar felony charges in California and could be sentenced as an habitual offender.
