Fake eye doctor sentenced; Kenosha County man out by Memorial Day
Kenosha County fake eye doctor sentenced
Lee Hagopian, exposed by FOX6 Investigators for posing as an eye doctor, was sentenced to nine months in jail on Monday, March 30, after pleading guilty to illegal optometry, hit-and-run and threatening an officer.
KENOSHA, Wis. - A Kenosha County man with a history of posing as a doctor has been sentenced to jail time after years of investigations and repeat offenses.
Lee Hagopian sentencing
What we know:
Lee Hagopian, 56, appeared via Zoom from the Kenosha County Jail for sentencing on Monday, March 30.
Judge Jason Rossell sentenced Hagopian to nine months in jail. With credit for more than seven months already served, he is expected to be released by Memorial Day.
FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android
Earlier this month, Hagopian pleaded guilty to illegal practice of optometry, hit-and-run and threatening a law enforcement officer.
Years of deception
The backstory:
Hagopian's unusual crime was first uncovered by the FOX6 Investigators in 2015 and again in 2019. Hagopian operated a Kenosha store called Eye Xams and later a store in Paddock Lake called Eyes On U Optical.
FOX6 Investigators hidden cameras found Hagopian performing eye exams without a license. One customer said she suffered an eye injury after he sold her contact lenses that had expired years earlier.
After our investigation, state regulators referred Hagopian to the Kenosha County District Attorney's Office for criminal charges. He was convicted in 2021, but prosecutors say he kept practicing optometry after that. Hagopian was charged again in 2022, and that case dragged on for four years until his guilty plea earlier this month.
Phony Kenosha County 'eye doctor' charged again, back in jail
A Kenosha County eyeglass salesman is back in jail, charged with practicing optometry without a license again.
Authorities say Hagopian’s criminal behavior escalated in recent years. Court records show he was convicted of battering his ex-wife in 2024. Last year, he was also charged with hit-and-run and threatening a law enforcement officer.
In court
What they're saying:
Hagopian apologized during Monday’s sentencing.
"I never meant to hurt anybody," said Hagopian. "I am truly ashamed of my actions."
The judge also addressed Hagopian’s repeated behavior.
SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News
"It's somewhat aggravating considering the court had told you not to engage in that sort of behavior," Rossell said. "And then you once again engaged in that behavior."
Hagopian promised to change.
"[...] Keep my head on straight so I can make sure this never happens again," said Hagopian.
One of the first victims to come forward said she hopes he keeps his word.
"I asked him flat out, are you a doctor? And he told me yes," said Lisa Hawkins. "I'm a big one for second chances. I hope he can change his ways. Unfortunately, his patterns are not in his favor at this time."
The Source: Information in this post was provided by Wisconsin Circuit Court Access as well as previous FOX6 News coverage.