Woman accused of giving illegal Botox injections in Florida backyard
Rosa Mena, 50, was arrested by Port St. Lucie on Wednesday, July 9, on charges of aggravated battery causing bodily harm or disability, practicing medicine without an active license, fraud and the use of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony, police said in a statement on Wednesday, July 9.
Police, along with several other agencies, including the Florida Department of Health, launched an investigation into Mena after a woman she allegedly injected with Botox in May said she suffered facial paralysis. According to police, the victim was refunded $325 for the experience before being encouraged by Mena to return to the backyard shed where she performed procedures for an injection she claimed would "reverse" the symptom.
Still suffering from paralysis, the victim asked to see Mena's license and certifications, which she allegedly was unable to produce. She then attempted to "put the victim's mind at ease by telling her she was a doctor from the Dominican Republic, dismissing her concerns," according to police.
What did police find when they searched Rosa Mena's home?
When police executed a search warrant at Mena's residence, they discovered "medical beds, medications, vials, needles, fat sculpting machines, PRP injections, micro-needling equipment, laser hair removal equipment, laser lipo machines, massage equipment, facial equipment, injectable devices for fillers and Botox," among other medical equipment, in her possesion, according to the statement.
Sgt. Dominick Mesiti told Treasure Coast Newspapers, part of the USA TODAY Network, that the victim has since consulted with a licensed doctor, who was unable to determine if the paralysis is permanent.
Mena was placed in the St. Lucie County Jail. As of July 10, her bond amount was not immediately available.
"We want to remind the public to research the facility and individual prior to performing procedures," the police department said in a statement. "Additionally, in order to perform injectable procedures like Botox, it needs to be performed by a licensed professional. Your safety is our priority!"
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