WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — The Polk County Sheriff's Office arrested a Winter Haven woman for practicing health care without a license for a second time.
Deputies originally arrested 39-year-old Jesusadelaida "Jesse" Lopez on June 12, 2018. They charged her at that time with six counts of unlicensed practice of health care. The Sheriff's Office says Lopez portrayed herself as a nurse at the "Drop It Likes It's Hot" weight loss clinic.
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The Florida Department of Health (DOH) says it received complaints earlier this year unlicensed health care activity was occurring at Jesse's Gym located at 1141 U.S. Highway 92 in Auburndale.
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A DOH investigator made an appointment for a weight loss consultation at the gym for February 7. Authorities say Lopez offered the investigator B-complex, "Lipo" and HCG shots.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (or HCG) is a hormone produced during pregnancy. It is used to treat fertility issues. The FDA says there is no proof HCG helps someone lose weight.
The DOH investigator returned with an undercover Polk County detective on February 12. They paid Lopez $300 for the consultation and various weight loss supplies including a vial of prescription HCG, five baggies full of syringes and Bariatric Advantage high protein meal replacement powder.
A state probation officer conducted a compliance check at Lopez's home on February 14. The officer advised her not to contact anyone during the visit. Authorities say Lopez used her Apple Watch to tell a gym employee to remove incriminating evidence.
The officer arrested Lopez after finding needles inside her home and a vial of prescription "Lipo" medicine in her vehicle. Both items violated Lopez's probation terms.
"We're thankful in getting information that Ms. Lopez was operating illegally as a fake medical practitioner once again. She put more lives in danger with no medical experience," said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. "She was given a chance and a break last time. She didn't seize that opportunity and now she is back in jail."
Lopez is charged with five felonies and a misdemeanor including Dispersing Drug Prescription Without a License, Unlicensed Practice Health Care Profession and Tampering with Physical Evidence.
Deputies also arrested Lopez's fiancé, 51-year-old Edward Forgue.
The Sheriff's Office says he went to Jesse's gym, which he co-owns, and starting removing items, putting them in his truck. He is charged with Tampering with Physical Evidence.
