Port St. Lucie Plastic Surgery Staff Arrested on Racketeering Charges

Recent investigations have led to the arrest of two individuals associated with Cosmetica Plastic Surgery and Anti-Aging on racketeering charges. Fermal Lee Simpson, 74, and Dianne Linda Millan, 52, both residents of Port St. Lucie, were taken into custody on June 13 in connection with a series of unlawful practices at the facility located in the 1900 block of Southeast Port St. Lucie Boulevard.

Unauthorized Surgical Procedures

Authorities discovered that surgical procedures at the center were being performed by a physician assistant instead of a licensed surgeon, raising serious concerns about the safety and legality of the operations. Patients who underwent procedures at Cosmetica reported severe health-related issues, prompting further investigation into the facility's practices.

State Department of Health's Actions

The state Department of Health took decisive action, revoking Cosmetica Plastic Surgery and Anti-Aging's registration to operate on May 30, 2023, after an emergency suspension order was issued in June 2022. Court records revealed that the enterprise had violated various statutes and rules, leading to the immediate suspension of its office surgery registration.

Investigative Timeline

The investigation was initiated following an anonymous complaint in March 2022, leading to the involvement of both the state Department of Health and the Port St. Lucie Police. Further inquiries brought to light the concerning practices, with a doctor reporting a decline in referrals for surgical procedures and evidence indicating improper conduct at the facility.

Professional Misconduct

Instances of professional misconduct were brought to light, with one doctor expressing discomfort with the surgeries being performed and their potential impact on his license. The state Department of Health also noted inconsistencies and errors in records, suggesting either gross negligence or intentional concealment of information.

Testimonies from Medical Professionals

A doctor who treated a patient affected by the procedures at Cosmetica Plastic Surgery and Anti-Aging described the severity of the patient's condition, emphasizing the unethical nature of the situation. The doctor underscored the importance of trust in medical professionals and the potential for abuse of that trust by unscrupulous individuals.

Continued Investigations

Sgt. Dominick Mesiti, a police spokesperson, confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with authorities actively seeking other suspects involved in the case. The revelations surrounding the unlawful practices at Cosmetica have raised concerns within the local community and the medical fraternity.