Adult Performer Arrested For Claiming To Be A Doctor

A man authorities say faked being a doctor and offered fixes for incurable STDs out of an east valley home also was a porn actor selling sex toys and escort and massage services, according to court papers.

Rick Van Thiel, 52, now faces one count each of acting as a medical practitioner without a license, possession of a gun by a prohibited person, possession of drugs and issuing drugs without a prescription.

He also is suspected of having ties to the anti-government sovereign citizens movement.

The Southern Nevada Health District, the Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI are now investigating his practice, which the agencies say was based in a residential area at 4928 E. Monroe Ave., near the intersection of Owens Avenue and Nellis Boulevard.

But the investigation started in the city of Las Vegas business licensing division, according to an affidavit seeking a search warrant.

Neighbors suspected “illegal business activity” on the property, which prompted the division to investigate Aug. 7, city spokesman David Riggleman wrote in an email Thursday morning.

Four surveillance towers stand outside a house, motor home, travel trailer, semi-truck container and three storage sheds, according to the affidavit. Federal agents were called, because Van Thiel’s alleged crimes span three states.

On Sept. 30, FBI agents and Las Vegas police stormed the property. The practice was shut down that day, while the FBI served the search warrant.

Van Thiel was arrested Friday.

On websites advertising his medical services, Van Thiel was sometimes referred to as “Dr. Rick.”

But on websites pushing pornographic movies, sex toys, escorting and messages — for $100 an hour — he was known as “Rick Spindoll.”

A Las Vegas phone number listed on those websites was the same one to call for abortions and cures for sexually transmitted diseases at “unbeatable prices,” payable only in gold or silver.

Van Thiel does not have a medical or business license.

The owner of the Monroe Avenue property, Brad Resnik, was aware of what was happening there, the affidavit said. Authorities said he was illegally selling surveillance equipment. There’s no record showing he was arrested.

Van Thiel provided hormone and vitamin injections, the health district said Wednesday. Staff are assessing the public health risks to determine the need for environmental or clinical testing.

Police also are asking people who were treated by Van Thiel to come forward.

The Clark County coroner’s office, meanwhile, said non-human remains were found at the site.

Van Thiel said Wednesday in an interview at Clark County Detention Center that his work shouldn’t be regulated by the government because it involves only consenting individuals. He’s studied health and anatomy for 28 years, he said, and has treated hundreds of patients.

His views on government lead authorities to believe Van Thiel is connected to the so-called sovereign citizens movement. Members declare themselves above federal jurisdiction and say they are not obligated to pay taxes.

Sovereign citizens are known for filing frivolous lawsuits against public officials. There has been a rise in acts of violence attributed to the group in recent years.

Anyone who received services at the Monroe Avenue facility can call 1-800-506-1435 or report online atwww.fbi.gov. Information obtained as part of this investigation will be handled in accordance with medical privacy laws, investigating agencies said.