A Florida woman has been arrested after allegedly running an illegal “Med Spa” out of her shed, which resulted in one of her patients suffering from facial paralysis due to a botched Botox procedure.
Rosa Maria Mena, 50, faces multiple charges, including aggravated battery, practicing medicine without a license, fraud, and using a communication device to facilitate a felony.
The incident was reported by the Port St. Lucie Police Department, which began investigating after a victim came forward in May.
The Botched Botox Procedure and Its Consequences
The victim reported that she underwent a Botox procedure at Mena’s facility and suffered facial paralysis as a result. After the woman confronted Mena about the issue, the suspect allegedly had her return to the “Med Spa,” where Mena injected the victim with vitamins to “reverse” the effects of the botched procedure. Despite these efforts, the paralysis persisted, leading the victim to demand a refund.
Mena refunded the victim $325, the cost of the Botox procedure, but when the victim asked to see Mena’s medical license, the suspect was unable to provide one.
Instead, Mena presented the victim with a “censored/altered” phlebotomy certificate. Further investigation revealed that the certificate had expired the previous year, and Mena had no active medical license.
Investigation and Evidence Found at Mena’s Home
After receiving the victim’s report, detectives executed a search warrant at Mena’s home, located in the 5000 block of Northwest Coosa Drive. During the search, investigators found a significant amount of evidence supporting the victim’s claims.
The police discovered various medical devices, including beds, medications, Botox, injectable devices for fillers, and equipment for laser hair-removal treatments. This evidence confirmed that Mena had been operating the illegal spa without the proper licenses and causing harm to clients.
Mena’s Attempt to Dismiss the Concerns
When confronted by the victim, Mena allegedly dismissed the concerns, claiming she was a doctor from the Dominican Republic. This statement was likely an attempt to calm the victim’s fears. However, further investigation showed that Mena did not have the necessary qualifications to perform medical procedures.
Public Safety Reminder from Authorities
Port St. Lucie police are urging the public to do thorough research before undergoing any cosmetic procedures, especially injectables like Botox. According to the police, only licensed professionals are authorized to perform such treatments.
The department stressed the importance of patient safety and cautioned individuals against trusting unlicensed providers.
Arrest and Charges
Rosa Maria Mena was arrested on Wednesday and is currently being held in the St. Lucie County Jail on a $95,000 bond. Her arrest has raised awareness about the dangers of illegal “Med Spas” and the potential risks of undergoing procedures with unqualified individuals. Authorities are continuing to investigate Mena’s activities to ensure the safety of the public.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of choosing licensed professionals for cosmetic and medical procedures. Patients should always verify the credentials of any healthcare provider before undergoing treatment, especially when it involves injectables or other medical interventions.
The authorities are committed to holding individuals like Mena accountable and protecting the public from such dangerous practices.
