Botox treatment in backyard shed left woman with paralyzed face, FL police say
Among the red flags: The treatments happened in a backyard shed decked out to look like a 'med spa,' the Port St. Lucie Police Department said in a Wednesday, July 9, news release.
The victim told police 'she experienced facial paralysis' after visiting the shed in May to get Botox injections from 50-year-old Rosa Mena, police said.
'After Mena was confronted about the victim's injuries, she refunded the $325 after the paralysis persisted; however, Mena had the victim return to inject her again, but this time with vitamins to 'reverse' the effects,' police said.
'Still experiencing paralysis, the victim requested to see Mena's medical license and supporting certificates, which she never produced. Instead, she provided a censored/altered certificate of Phlebotomy (drawing blood for tests). ... The victim told detectives she contacted the issuing agency where she learned it had expired in February of 2024.'
When confronted, Mena dismissed the patient's concerns and reported she had previously been a doctor in the Dominican Republic, officials said.
A multi-agency investigation resulted in a warrant to search the property, leading to 'an overwhelming amount of evidence to support the victim's allegations,' including Botox, fat-sculpting machines, laser hair removal equipment and liposuction equipment.
Mena was arrested and charged with:
Three counts of aggravated battery causing bodily harmThree counts of health safety — practicing medicine without an active licenseFraud — swindle/obtain property $300 or moreFraud — swindle/obtain property under $20,000Use of two-way communication device to facilitate a felony
Port St. Lucie is about a 110-mile drive north from Miami.
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