Botched Liposuction Lands 2 Behind Bars: Sheriff

TAMPA, FL — The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has announced two arrests following a lengthy investigation into alleged illegal activity at the Orozco Medical Clinic in Tampa. Deputies say two people on staff performed – and botched – liposuction procedures. Complicating matters, authorities say neither are licensed medical doctors.

The arrests of Claudia Patricia Orozco, 44, and Marlon Ricardo Barcelo, 40, were announced by the sheriff’s office on Tuesday, Aug. 1. Deputies say the charges come after a joint investigation kicked off about 18 months ago involving the sheriff’s office and the Florida Department of Health.

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Authorities say they were tipped off about the alleged illegal practice of medicine when former patients began seeking help at local hospitals for "complications as a result of the surgery performed at the Orozco Medical Clinic.” The patients subsequently lodged complaints, sparking the investigation, an email from the sheriff's office said.

Barcelo and Orozco are both accused of performing tumescent liposuction on patients at the 8210 W. Water Ave. clinic without being licensed doctors and not having authorization to perform the procedure, the email said. The sheriff’s office has not elaborated on the type of complications patients encountered. The agency did say patients “paid thousands of dollars” for the procedures.

Orozco was charged with four counts each of practicing medicine without a license, aggravated battery with great bodily harm and organized fraud of less than $20,000. Barcelo was charged with two counts each of practicing medicine without a license and aggravated battery with great bodily harm.

The investigation remains active. Further information is not being released at this time.

Orozco was arrested Tuesday and remained in the Hillsborough County Jail in lieu of $46,000 bond. Barcelo was also brought into custody on Tuesday morning. His bond was set at $30,000.

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Booking photos courtesy of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office