The state Department of Health has obtained a temporary restraining order forbidding a Pierce County man who puts on “The Cleansing Way Seminar” from practicing medicine.
Superior Court Judge Ronald Culpepper issued the order this week.
State health officials went to court after Sung Min Im, who operates his business in Eatonville, allegedly defied a cease-and-desist order. They contend he is not licensed to practice medicine in Washington but has examined at least two cancer patients and treated them with tea, juice, sea salt and honey.
Im’s lawyer, Zenon Olbertz of Tacoma, argued in court documents that his client only “speaks to seminar attendees regarding health education, information about nutrition and the differences and uses of various juices, raw fruits and vegetables.”
“There is no evidence that the teachings at the seminars have caused or resulted in injuries to the attendees or will result in damage to future attendees,” Olbertz wrote.
Im, who was fined $25,000 in 2005 for similar conduct, is to appear in court Friday to argue why the temporary order should not be made permanent.
Adam Lynn: 253-597-8644 adam.lynn@ thenewstribune.com
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