Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced today that a Los Angeles man, who used to reside in Nassau County, has been indicted for pretending to be a neuropsychologist and treating patients in Brooklyn over several years.
Glenn Payne, 59, of Los Angeles was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Miriam Cyrulnik on a 55-count indictment in which he and a co-defendant, Vernette Tobierre, his office manager, are variously charged with fifth-degree conspiracy, first-degree scheme to defraud, unauthorized practice of a profession, unauthorized use of a professional title, third- and fourth-degree grand larceny, petit larceny, first-degree offering a false instrument for filing and endangering the welfare of a child.
Payne is not licensed to practice medicine or psychology in New York or elsewhere.
“It is unbelievable that someone would put patients, including children, at risk by pretending to be qualified to diagnose and treat them. The alleged conduct in this case is truly outrageous and potentially endangered vulnerable people. I urge anyone who believes they have been defrauded by these defendants to contact my Action Center at 718-250-2340,” said Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez in announcing the indictment.
According to the investigation, which Gonzalez’ office carries out, between June 5, 2012 and May 30, 2018, Payne allegedly illegally practiced neuropsychology on children, adolescents and adults, operating under the auspices of The Brooklyn Heights Office of Advanced Neurotherapy. He worked out of various locations, including 300 Cadman Plaza West, the Maple Medical Office Building on Bedford Avenue and the offices of the non-profit Kings Against Violence Initiative at Kings County Medical Center.
Payne falsely claimed to have a Masters of Public Health and a Ph.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles.
It is alleged that Tobierre acted as the general office manager and receptionist for the practice, collecting cash and electronic payments on behalf of the “Office of Dr. Glenn Payne” as well as scheduling patient appointments, faxing and emailing correspondence, answering the phone and communicating with patients.
It is alleged that patients were referred to Payne from pediatricians or friends in the medical field for assistance with troubled children, according to the indictment, and appointments were scheduled by Tobierre, who was introduced as Payne’s wife or assistant. She informed the patients or their parents that he did not accept medical insurance and all payments had to be made in cash, using Chase QuickPay or by electronic transfer. Patients were charged between $60 and $250 per session.
Finally, it is alleged, the defendant falsely claimed to have affiliations with Kings County Medical Center and SUNY Downstate Hospital.
Payne was ordered held on $100,000 bond or $50,000 cash bail and to return to court on October 30. Tobierre, 46, was arraigned on January 14 and her next court date is October 25.
