“The work done by California state investigators to protect consumers is more often than not conducted away from the limelight.  This case puts a spotlight on the investigative work done by, among others, our CSLEA member and California DCA Investigator Daniel Schuman.  Thank you for working to protect the public.”-CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

SANTA CLARA COUNTY – On May 18, 2023, the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office announced it has charged a San Jose couple with practicing medicine without a license.

The couple is accused of creating an unlicensed “med spa” in their house, giving Botox injections, lip fillers, and other invasive beauty treatments, some of which cost hundreds of dollars.

Monica Canales, 45, and James Carey, 48, were arraigned on May 9, 2023, on multiple felony counts of the unlicensed practice of medicine.  Canales is also charged with unlawfully using a doctor’s license and electronic signature to get Botox.

The next court date is scheduled for July 11, 2023, in Dept. 24 of the Hall of Justice in San Jose. If convicted, defendants face incarceration and fines.

“Administering medications without proper licenses or supervision by a licensed physician is dangerous and illegal,” District Attorney Jeff Rosen said. “The improper use of Botox and other injectable fillers such as Juvéderm can lead to injury and paralysis.”

The investigation into Canales and Carey began when a woman made a complaint to the San Jose Police Department and another victim reported Canales performing injections of Botox and fillers without a license or supervision by a licensed physician to California Department of Consumer Affairs Investigator Daniel Schuman.

Later, a local dentist complained that her identity and license was being used to buy Botox and other controlled substances. Additional victims came forward and reported that a “med spa” business was being conducted at the home of Canales and Carey and that injections of various substances occurred there.