"Plastic Surgeon" Hector Cabral Indicted For Practicing Medicine Without A License

NEW YORK- Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced the indictment of Dominican-based "plastic surgeon" Hector Cabral, an unlicensed doctor in the state of New York, who allegedly performed cosmetic procedures on women and left many of them permanently disfigured. Arraigned in New York State Supreme Court before the Honorable Justice Laura Ward, Cabral was charged with 10 counts of Unauthorized Practice of a Profession (Medicine) and 2 additional counts with a Co-Defendant Alma Melo for Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree and Conspiracy in the Fifth Degree.

"Practicing medicine without a license is a very serious crime in New York, and we will a seek a punishment against anyone who preys on vulnerable communities to make a quick buck. Mr. Cabral lured unsuspecting patients with bargain prices for very complex medical procedures, putting his own greed before the health and safety of his victims," said Attorney General Schneiderman.

It is alleged that on at least 10 different occasions between November 2006 and approximately November 2009, Hector Cabral unlawfully practiced medicine without a license, charging a fee for medical consultations and examinations to women at various health spas and beauty parlors in New York State. It is further alleged that Hector Cabral would then perform cosmetic surgical procedures on these women in the Dominican Republic. Immediately after performing surgery he would advise these women to contact the Co-Defendant, for "Post Operative Treatment" in New York State.  It is also alleged that from on or about August 2008 to on or about October 2009, Cabral and the Co-Defendant engaged in a scheme to defraud 10 or more persons.

If convicted Cabral could be incarcerated for a period of more than 20 years.

Mr. Cabral is currently free on bail, but Judge Ward denied an application made by his lawyer for the return of his passport. A warrant has been issued for the Arrest of the Co-Defendant.

This case was adjourned to May 23, 2011 before Justice Ward for motion practice.

The charges against Cabral and the Co-defendant are allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The case is being handled by Guy H. Mitchell, Assistant Attorney General in Charge of the Harlem Regional Office, with the assistance of Assistant Attorney General Judy Prosper of the Harlem Regional Office, under the supervision of Gail Heatherly, Chief of the Criminal Prosecution Bureau. Investigators Angel LaPorte, Ismael Hernandez and David  Negron under Supervising Investigator John McManus are assisting with the investigation of the case.

Anyone with additional information on this matter is encouraged to contact the Attorney General’s office at 1-800-996-4630.