Vampire facials spa owner linked to HIV cases faces 24 charges – WJW FOX 8 News Cleveland

by: Stephanie Chavez, Nexstar Media Wire

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.(KRQE) The owner of a shuttered New Mexico spa is now facing dozens of charges after at least two clients were diagnosed with HIV after receiving vampire facials, at the facility back in 2018.

Maria Ruiz is facing 24 felony counts ranging from tax evasion to illegal practice of medicine and various other public safety crimes in New Mexico.

Authorities shut down Ruizs illegal medical spa back in 2018. The attorney generals office began its investigation when two of Ruizs clients were diagnosed with HIV, after getting vampire facials.

We knew we had to shut the business down, said New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas.

A vampire facial is a non-surgical facelift where a patients blood is drawn, then components of the blood are injected back into the face using microneedles. Ruiz did not have the appropriate medical license required to perform these kinds of procedures.

These are procedures that should be supervised by a medical doctor, said Balderas.

Both Ruizs cosmetology and business licenses had long since expired. The report says Ruiz had done a good job at creating the illusion that she was properly trained in these practices, forging numerous certificates, and even a fake degree from the University of Phoenix.

She deceived many women into trusting her, and her facility, said Balderas.

When asked how something like this could possibly slip through the cracks, Balderas explained the regulation and licensing department has limited jurisdiction. They dont have the ability to go and inspect equipment to make sure its sanitized, they can only receive cursory complaints, said Balderas.

The attorney generals office and licensing department released a list of questions for consumers to ask before receiving any kind of procedure like a vampire facial. Those questions are listed below.

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Vampire facials spa owner linked to HIV cases faces 24 charges - WJW FOX 8 News Cleveland