(This story was updated with new information.)
Three people were arrested and accused of taking part in a scheme to perform medical procedures, including a facelift, without a license at an Indio retail storefront.
The Indio Police Department said it executed a search warrant at Fajas Salud y Vanidades, located at 81-730 Highway 111, as part of an unlawful medical practice investigation. Surgeries performed at the retail store, police say, included a facelift and removal of excess eyelid skin.
Detectives identified Alfonso Salvador Gomez Sotelo, 46, as the suspect for performing unlawful medical procedures without a California medical license, the police department said. Fajas Salud y Vanidades, whose name translates roughly as “health and beauty shapewear,” also does not have a California medical license.
In an announcement Wednesday, May 6, police said they had arrested Sotelo, business owner Sandra Leticia Felix Gomez, 46, and Sotelo’s wife Renee Daniela Romo Ramirez, 33. The police department said they are being charged with aggravated mayhem, aiding and abetting, burglary, conspiracy and unlicensed practice of medicine.
Sgt. Abraham Plata said police know of one victim but believe there are others, who they are asking to come forward. He added that investigators suspect other cosmetic surgeries were performed at the retail store, such as “Brazilian butt lifts.”
Police said they worked with the California Department of Consumer Affairs Division of Investigation on the case and executed the search warrant at the business on April 30.
Fajas Salud y Vanidades’ verified Yelp page said it was established in 2016 and shows several images of fajas, which means girdle in Spanish. Fajas have been used for surgery recovery and also shapewear. The store’s website did not appear to be working on Wednesday, May 6.
The Yelp page states the business is “dedicated to obtaining the best Colombian clothing and girdles, from any surgery to the gym, Colombian jeans that lift the butt and press the abdomen, herbal supplements, colon + liver cleansers, and a variety of coffee for daily use with a lot or regular energy and a lot more!”
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Indio store accused of performing illegal cosmetic surgeries
Reporting by Ani Gasparyan, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
