Adult circumciser gets 5 yrs. probation

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - The Sparta man who posed as a doctor and performed adult circumcisions illegally in his home was sentenced Wednesday to five years of probation.

Thomas Heugel pleaded guilty in April to one count of unauthorized practice of a health profession, a felony that could have carried a four-year prison sentence.

The 56-year-old was just trying to help improve a friend's quality of life, he told 24 Hour News 8 outside the courtroom.

"The kid had nobody to turn to, no insurance and pleaded for me to help him," Heugel said. "Was it wrong? I look back at it now -- yes. Would I do it again? No."

Heugel had a makeshift operating room in his home and often wore a doctor's uniform, police say. He claims his civil rights were violated in the investigation. Heugel said he and his attorney will "follow through on that."