AG Mark Brnovich announces sentencing of Tucson woman practicing medicine without a license
Tucson, AZ – Today, Ilda M. Garcia, of Tucson was sentenced to 7 years in prison for her role in performing dangerous surgical procedures such as liposuction and medical injections without a medical license. Garcia did not have any medical training, education, or licensing.
“The defendant will have 7 years behind bars to think about the botched medical procedures she’s responsible for,” said Attorney General Mark Brnovich. “She victimized women and violated the public’s trust."
Garcia was originally arrested along with Gustavo Felix Nunez after a 3-month investigation by the DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad in August 2013. Garcia and Nunez allegedly told patients they were medical professionals authorized to perform liposuction surgeries and other cosmetic procedures. Investigators allege Nunez was in charge of operations and Garcia was his assistant.
In July 2015, Garcia pled guilty to 1 count of practicing medicine without a license, 1 count of fraudulent schemes and artifices, and 1 count of aggravated assault causing serious physical injury. During one liposuction procedure, a victim had a drug interaction, began seizing, and had difficulty breathing. Garcia failed to administer emergency aid, call 911, or transport the victim to the hospital for more than 45-minutes.The victim had a stroke and was in a coma for more than 2-months before she woke up.
Co-defendant Nunez is scheduled for trial early next year.
Arizona Assistant Attorneys General Jordan E. Emerson prosecuted this case. For more information, contact Mia Garcia (602) 399-5895 or Mia.Garcia@azag.gov
