Fake N.Y.C. Doctor Allegedly Leaves Woman Brain Dead After Illegally Performing Plastic Surgery Procedure at His Home

Fake NYC Doctor Arrested After Leaving Woman Brain Dead Following Lidocaine Injection

A New York man has been taken into custody for unlawful plastic surgery procedures that led to one woman being left brain dead, as confirmed by a New York Police Department representative to PEOPLE. Felipe Hoyos-Foronda, 38, was apprehended on Friday, March 28, after emergency services responded to his residence on 35th St. near 20th Road in Astoria, Queens. He is facing charges of assault in the second degree and unauthorised practice of profession.

Upon arriving at Hoyos-Foronda’s home, medics found a 31-year-old woman in cardiac arrest, allegedly due to lidocaine injections administered by him. Lidocaine is commonly used as a local anaesthetic to numb specific areas, according to the Mayo Clinic. The makeshift medical office established by Hoyos-Foronda in his residence prompted the involvement of the police.

Following the incident, the woman was rushed to Mount Sinai Queens hospital, where it is believed she suffered from lidocaine toxicity, leading to a lack of brain activity. She is currently intubated and not expected to survive, prosecutors informed the Daily News. A partial vacate order has been issued for Hoyos-Foronda’s residence, describing the presence of medical supplies and equipment used for cosmetic procedures.

At his arraignment in Queens Criminal Court, Hoyos-Foronda pleaded not guilty and was remanded without bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, April 3. Authorities uncovered that he possessed a ticket for a flight to Colombia and claimed to be a licensed doctor in his home country. The NYPD coordinated with the Port Authority Police Department to intercept him at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Individuals with relevant information are urged to contact Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All details will be handled confidentially. For ongoing coverage of this developing story and more crime-related news, subscribe to PEOPLE’s complimentary True Crime newsletter.

When questioned for additional information, representatives for the FDNY and Queens’ District Attorney were unavailable for immediate comment. The investigation into this case is ongoing, with further updates expected as the legal proceedings unfold.

The appalling incident has sparked concerns over the dangers of unlicensed medical procedures and the importance of verifying the credentials of healthcare providers. This tragic outcome serves as a reminder of the risks involved in seeking medical treatment from unauthorised individuals.

As the community grapples with this shocking event, authorities are emphasising the significance of reporting any suspicious or illegal medical practices to prevent similar incidents in the future. Public vigilance and awareness are crucial in safeguarding individuals from falling victim to unscrupulous individuals posing as medical professionals.

The unfortunate consequences of this illicit plastic surgery operation highlight the critical need for stringent regulations and oversight within the medical field. Blatant disregard for safety protocols can have devastating repercussions, underlining the paramount importance of upholding standards to ensure patient well-being and prevent such tragedies from recurring.