This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
West Jordan City has revoked the business license of a chiropractor who has been charged with financially exploiting the elderly.
City spokeswoman Kim Wells said Monday that the city revoked Brandon Babcock's license last Monday — the day he was charged.
The Salt Lake County District Attorney charged him with seven third-degree felonies and four second-degree felonies for allegedly bilking 11 elderly adults.
Babcock — who claimed he could "reverse" type II diabetes and said he offered a 30-day money back guarantee — allegedly signed some of the patients up for credit without their consent. In other cases, he allegedly refused to refund their money. One victim, who received a $10,000-plus bill, said he had never been to the chiropractor's office, according to the charging documents.
Babcock has done business under various names, including "The Integrated Health Center of Utah" and "Functional Endocrinology Institute of Utah." His business location is at 9265 S. Redwood Road. West Jordan issued a "cease and desist order" demanding he conduct no business from that location.
"Your business license has now been revoked due [to] the arrest and pending charges," the letter states.
A police officer has attempted to issue the order at the office, but Babcock has not been there, Wells said. One of Babcock's phone numbers was disconnected and a voice message on another said the business was "temporarily closed."
While the city doesn't have the manpower to watch Babcock' office, the city could cite him if they learn he is conducting business. The citation can carry a $1,000 fine.
Babcock has retained his chiropractor's license, though it expires May 31. The Division of Professional and Occupational Licensing has declined to explain why it has not or cannot revoke that license. Licensing laws and rules say DOPL can revoke, suspend or restrict a license for unlawful and "unprofessional conduct" — which for chiropractors includes "knowingly engaging in billing practices which are abusive and represent charges which are fraudulent ... ."
A DOPL spokeswoman said the office is reviewing its options. DOPL has said chiropractors are allowed to treat diabetes. The District Attorney's office and DOPL have taken 45 calls from other potential victims, according to District Attorney Sim Gill.
One of the alleged victims, Betty Burgener, said DOPL has requested her medical records. She signed up for Babcock's diabetes program but said the supplements harmed her health. She said her leg started to swell and it is still tender. She's on medication for the swelling and fears it is harming her kidneys.
The 80-year-old from Mountain Green said she told the chiropractor: "With every breath that I take until I die, I will tell the world how bad you are."
Babcock's first court appearance is scheduled for April 30 before Judge Katie Bernards-Goodman.
"Reversing diabetes"
In March, The Salt Lake Tribune published a profile of Utah chiropractor Brandon Babcock and his program. —
More victims?
Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill believes there may be other alleged victims of chiropractor Brandon Babcock and is urging them to call licensing officials at 801-530-6630.