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NEWARK
– A Fort Lee resident who is not licensed
to practice medicine in New Jersey has been
arrested and charged with unlicensed practice
after he allegedly offered to perform liposuction
on an undercover investigator who went to
his West New York office.
Rosendo
S. Icochea, 65, was released on his own
recognizance after being arrested
Wednesday night, May 4. Unlicensed practice
of medicine is a third-degree crime.
This
is the second time action has been taken
against Icochea for unlicensed practice
of medicine. In 2009, he admitted to unlicensed
practice, agreed to cease and desist, and
was assessed $10,000 in civil penalties
by the New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners.
Icochea,
who holds a medical license in New York,
allegedly asked for $6,000 to perform liposuction
and other cosmetic surgery. Investigators
from Consumer Affairs’ Enforcement
Bureau began looking into Icochea’s
activities following an anonymous tip received
earlier this year.
“Our
Board of Medical Examiners licenses physicians
to ensure those treating patients meet the
standards that we set for quality healthcare
and to safeguard the public,” Attorney
General Paula T. Dow said. “Unlicensed
practice of medicine is a crime because
it places the public at needless risk.”
Investigators
went to Icochea’s practice, the New
Jersey Institute of Plastic Reconstructive
Surgery, at 6507 Bergenline Avenue, for
a physical examination and assessment by
Icochea.
“If
you’re a doctor practicing in New
Jersey, then you need to be licensed in
New Jersey – it’s not a complicated
concept,” said Thomas R. Calcagni,
Acting Director of the State Division of
Consumer Affairs. “For those who repeatedly
refuse to comply with the law, criminal
charges are the best medicine.”
Acting
Director Calcagni thanked the West New York
Police Department for its assistance in
this matter.
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