UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, the owner of a Milton medical spa has pleaded guilty to serious charges involving the injection of unapproved botulinum toxin, federal prosecutors confirm. Rodrigo de Medeiros Siqueira, aged 33, admitted to misbranding a drug after shipping it across state lines with the intent to defraud or mislead, according to the office of Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Leah Foley.
This urgent case comes in the wake of a troubling health crisis, as at least 14 clients were diagnosed with botulism this past summer, allegedly stemming from his illicit practices. The guilty plea was filed in connection with the operations of Rodrigo Beauty, where Siqueira falsely claimed to be a licensed medical professional, despite lacking the credentials necessary to perform such medical procedures.
Authorities emphasize that in Massachusetts, botulinum toxin injections must only be administered by licensed healthcare professionals. Siqueira reportedly injected clients with products sourced from illegitimate suppliers outside the United States, significantly heightening the risks involved.
In May 2023, the Massachusetts Department of Health reported several botulism cases on the South Shore, triggering an investigation into the spa’s practices. The situation escalated rapidly, raising alarms about patient safety and regulatory compliance in medical spas across the region.
As of now, Siqueira’s sentencing hearing has not been scheduled, but he faces a potential sentence of up to three years in prison, along with a $250,000 fine or double the gross gain from his illegal actions, whichever is greater.
With health authorities monitoring the fallout of this case closely, experts warn of the implications for similar establishments operating without proper oversight. The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated, as it highlights the critical need for stringent regulations governing medical spas and the safety of cosmetic procedures.
Stay tuned for further updates as this significant case unfolds.
