A woman who participated with “pH Miracle” book series author Robert Young in the unlicensed medical treatment of an elderly woman suffering from liver and thyroid disease was sentenced Friday to four years and four months in state prison.
A Vista jury convicted Galina Migalko, 61, and Young, 73, of practicing without a medical license and theft from an elder for their treatment of the 79-year-old victim. Young, who was also convicted of willful abuse of an elder, was sentenced last week to five years and eight months behind bars.
Young’s books and treatments argue that serious illnesses, including cancer, can be treated through controversial methods like injections of baking soda and an all-vegetable smoothie diet.
Prosecutors say Migalko and Young steered the victim, Jane Clayson, away from traditional medical treatment and convinced her to instead undergo their treatments for a period of several months.
Deputy District Attorney Gina Darvas said Young claimed to hold a doctorate, which she said came from “a well-known diploma mill.” The prosecutor also argued Young was well aware his treatments didn’t work, yet was “willing to risk (Clayson’s) life.”
In a written statement read at Young’s sentencing hearing, Clayson said she gave Young “thousands upon thousands of dollars” for various treatments and products such as pH Miracle-brand supplements.
Clayson said Young assured her to “just keep taking the supplements. You’ll get better. And don’t listen to other doctors. They don’t know what they’re talking about.”
Young was previously convicted in 2016 in San Diego County for treating patients — including by injecting them with baking soda — at his Valley Center ranch while lacking proper credentials.
In a separate civil action, a jury awarded $105 million to a cancer patient who said Young advised her to forgo traditional treatment like chemotherapy in favor of treatments at his ranch. The award was later reduced to around $25 million.
Prior to the San Diego County cases, Young was charged in Utah in the late 90s and early 2000s for practicing medicine without a license. One of those cases led to a plea to a misdemeanor count that was later dismissed, while the other case was dismissed entirely.
— City News Service
