N.Y. Woman Allegedly Pretended to Be a Dentist, Targeted Hispanic Community and Inflicted 'Nerve Damage' and 'Partial Facial Paralysis': Police

A New York woman has been arrested for allegedly posing as a dentist and performing “complex dental procedures” without a license, per local authorities.

Yolany Y. Mejia Carranza, 55, was operating a “fully functioning illegal dental office” out of her home that was discovered via a search warrant on Wednesday, March 13, per a Thursday, March 14 press statement from Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina.

Catalina told reporters that the investigation started when Third Precinct detectives “received several tips that Carranza had injured several patients” — and caused “severe nerve damage” that led to “partial facial paralysis” in at least one person.

He further noted that authorities believe that Carranza was “targeting the Hispanic community,” most of whom did not have insurance and who may have been undocumented.

Catalina said that Suffolk County PD believe there may be many more complainants out there, and he urged them to come forward, noting that “the Suffolk County Police Department will never inquire about your immigration status, so please come forward if you have been a victim.” 

In a caption accompanying a video of the press conference shared to Facebook by the Suffolk County PD on Friday, March 14, authorities stated that Carranza has been charged on three counts of Unauthorized Practice of a Profession, which is a Class E felony.

PEOPLE reached out to Suffolk County PD for comment on Saturday, March 15 but did not receive an immediate response.

ABC 7 reports that police further shared that Carranza used a local anesthetic on clients, but that people were not getting the levels or amounts needed for the “complex dental procedures” she regularly performed. 

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Authorities also stated that Carranza was allegedly performing dental procedures illegally for eight years, and detectives believe she was previously operating an illegal dental practice at another Long Island location, per ABC. 

While speaking to CBS News, one of Carranza’s neighbors, Steve Contreras, described Carranza as “normal,” adding that she “never said nothing about dentist work. We didn’t know anything, so it’s like wow.” 

Caranza reportedly pleaded not guilty and her next court date is scheduled for April 1, per the outlet.