A New York woman allegedly ran at least two dental practices without a license and seriously injured several of her unsuspecting patients.
Yolany Y. Mejia Carranza, 55, was running a ‘fully functioning illegal dental office’ out of her home in Bay Shore, a town in central Long Island, according to a statement from the Suffolk County Police Department.
The police commissioner, Kevin Catalina, told reporters that the .investigation into Carranza began when detectives received multiple tips from people claiming she had injured patients.
One patient of hers suffered ‘severe nerve damage that led to partial facial paralysis,’ Catalina said at a press conference.
Detectives believe that Carranza also once had a fake dental practice in Huntington Station, which is about a 30-minute car ride from Bay Shore.
‘She did not use anesthesia, but she used a local anesthesia, but no one was getting the anesthesia for the complex dental procedures she was doing,’ Catalina said. ‘She was a full-service dentist.’
Police say her illegal practice has been operating for eight years, adding that her clientele were mostly low-income people who lacked dental insurance. She accepted cash for her work, police said.
‘We think she was targeting the Hispanic community, mostly people who did not have health insurance and many of whom may have been in the country illegally,’ Catalina said. ‘I think her patients were in grave danger.’
Yolany Y. Mejia Carranza, 55, was allegedly running a ‘fully functioning illegal dental office.’ Police said she’s been doing this for eight years from two different locations on Long Island, New York
Suffolk County Police detectives took this picture of the dentist office inside her home in Bay Shore on the day of her arrest on Thursday
The dental office was found inside this home. Neighbors who spoke to local media said the Carranza never mentioned doing dental work
Because detectives believe Carranza has other victims that aren’t yet known about, Catalina promised that officers would not ask anyone who comes forward about their immigration status.
Carranza was arrested at her Bay Shore home at 3:15pm on Thursday, ABC 7 reported.
During the raid of the home, police discovered antibiotics that were ordered from overseas.
Alfredo Valle, Carranza’s neighbor, said he saw 15 police cars show up at her home, adding that he hoped anyone who used her services is okay.
Another neighbor, Steve Contreras told CBS New York that Carranza was a ‘normal neighbor’ and never mentioned to him that she was doing any dental work.
Carranza has been charged with three counts of Unauthorized Practice of a Profession, a class E felony.
Class E felonies, the lowest level of felonies, have a maximum sentence of four years in prison, according to New York law.
Carranza has pleaded not guilty to the charges and has surrendered her passport. She is due back in court on April 1.
The judge has ordered her to stay away from one of the patients who is acting as a witness.
