Port St. Lucie Woman Arrested for Running Backyard Botox Scam

Port St. Lucie Woman Arrested for Running Backyard Botox Scam

Rosa Mena, a 50-year-old woman from Port St. Lucie, has found herself in a world of trouble after being accused of running a fake medical spa out of a backyard shed. The Port St. Lucie Police Department arrested Mena following a disturbing report from a victim who experienced facial paralysis after receiving Botox injections at her „Miracle Hand and Spa“ facility.KESQ reports that Mena faces severe felony charges, including three counts of aggravated battery and three counts of practicing medicine without a license.

What started innocently enough—a coworker referral—quickly turned alarming for the victim who visited Mena’s establishment on May 17. After paying $325 for the procedure, she found herself dealing with partial facial paralysis instead of the beauty she sought. The victim’s plight didn’t end there; she returned for follow-up treatments hoping to resolve the issue and was injected again, this time with a B-Vitamin complex. Sadly, her symptoms persisted, leading her to request a refund, only to be met with a questionable response from Mena.

Deceptive Practices Uncovered

When the victim sought to verify Mena’s credentials, the scene took a turn for the bizarre. Mena produced an altered phlebotomy certificate that had expired back in February 2024, making dubious claims of being a licensed doctor from the Dominican Republic. This revelation, accompanied by the victim’s health issues, prompted the police to take action.

On July 9, after a thorough investigation, officers executed a search warrant at Mena’s residence. What they discovered was astonishing: a makeshift clinic loaded with medical-grade equipment, including items like fat sculpting machines, PRP injection kits, and several types of injectable devices.CBS12 details that the shed also contained needles, prescription medications, and even machines for laser hair removal.

The dramatic nature of Mena’s arrest captured the attention of the neighborhood, with around 10 to 15 police vehicles present and announcements made over loudspeakers in both English and Spanish. Mena is currently held at the St. Lucie County Jail without bond, facing a total of eight charges that include not only aggravated battery and unlicensed medical practice but also counts of fraud and using communication devices for felony facilitation.

Expert Opinions on the Matter

As details of the case unfolded, Dr. Brian Hass, a local plastic surgeon, weighed in. He pointed out that incidents of this nature are usually more common in Miami, making this case particularly surprising for Port St. Lucie residents. His advice to those seeking cosmetic procedures is clear: bargain prices should always raise red flags, and one should thoroughly research medical practitioners before undergoing treatment.

In the wake of Mena’s arrest, law enforcement officials encourage anyone else who may have been affected to step forward. Despite the shocking events surrounding Mena and her unlawful practice, no other victims have been reported as of now.