Two natural health practitioners who were arrested in recent months by Oak Harbor police have been ordered to stop practicing by the state Department of Health.

Arely Jimenez and Clarence Hugh Jonson were both ordered May 11 to “cease and desist the practice of naturopathy pending further legal action.”

Both associated with Whidbey Naturals Alternative Medicine, which opened an office in December on State Highway 20.

Jimenez and Jonson advertised themselves as “Board Certified in Naturopathy” on their website, even though neither Jimenez nor Jonson have ever held a credential to practice as a naturopath in Washington state, according to the Department of Health.

Island County Chief Criminal Prosecutor Eric Ohme said he will likely file charges against Jonson and Jimenez soon, but that the pair is still under investigation.

Jonson treated a patient for chest congestion and prescribed antibiotics, the DOH alleged.

The Whidbey News-Times reported that Jonson has a criminal history and a history of legal run-ins in the state of California.

California has accused Jonson of “unlawful practice of medicine without a license, forging a prescription, unlawful use of medical device, illegal prescribing of Vicodin and insurance fraud.”

The summary order to cease-and-desist starts the legal process that will determine if Jimenez and Jonson committed unlicensed practice. They each have 20 days from the date the notice to respond to the allegations and request a hearing.

The Department of Health establishes, monitors and enforces qualifications for licensing, consistent standards of practice, continuing competency mechanisms and discipline.

Those wishing to file a complaint against a health care provider can call 360-236-4700.