Authorities in Suffolk County, N.Y., have arrested a woman accused of running an illegal dental practice out of her home, allegedly performing complex procedures without a license and leaving multiple patients injured, including one who suffered severe nerve damage and partial facial paralysis.
Yolany Y. Mejia Carranza, 55, was taken into custody on March 14 after police executed a search warrant at her Long Island residence. The Suffolk County Police Department said multiple individuals came forward claiming they suffered injuries after receiving treatment from her.
“Carranza was operating as a dentist without actually being a dentist,” Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina said at a press conference, ABC7 NY reported. In one case, she caused severe nerve damage that led to partial facial paralysis.
Authorities believe Carranza primarily targeted the Hispanic community, particularly individuals without health insurance or legal status. Catalina assured potential victims that the department does not inquire about immigration status and encouraged them to come forward.
“We want to ensure any complainants that the Suffolk County Police Department will never inquire about your immigration status, so please come forward if you have been a victim of Carranza,” Law and Order quoted Catalina as saying.
The investigation began after multiple reports of patient harm surfaced. Detectives allege Carranza used local anesthesia but failed to provide the level of sedation necessary for the complex procedures she was performing. Police also discovered antibiotics ordered from overseas.
Carranza was arraigned on Friday, March 14 and is scheduled to appear in court on April 1.