HESPERIA — Authorities executed a search warrant at a Hesperia home on March 6, uncovering evidence that a man had allegedly been operating an unlicensed dental practice, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. Uriel Torres Cortes, 60, is accused of practicing dentistry without a license, prescribing controlled substances without treatment, furnishing controlled substances, and forging prescriptions. The case has been forwarded to the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office for review.
The investigation began in January 2025 after authorities received reports of illegal dental work being conducted at a residence in the 9300 block of 11th Avenue. Detectives with the Hesperia Police Station determined that Cortes did not hold a valid dental license, a finding confirmed by the California Department of Consumer Affairs.