Unlicensed 'Doctor' Performed Plastic Surgery in His Queens Apartment

Maria Penaloza Cabrera, 31, died after an unlicensed plastic surgery procedure performed inside a Queens, New York City apartment. On March 28, 2025, Felipe Hoyos-Foronda, 38, allegedly performed a buttocks implant removal on Cabrera in his apartment on 35th Street in Astoria. During the procedure, he reportedly injected her with lidocaine - an anesthetic that in high doses can cause serious cardiac toxicity. Cabrera went into cardiac arrest shortly after the injection. Fire Department medics rushed her to Mount Sinai Queens, but she showed no brain activity and was intubated. She died several weeks later.

He Called 911 - Then Tried to Run

Hoyos-Foronda called 911 after Cabrera went into distress but fled the scene before officers arrived. Detectives identified him from information provided by his landlord. Hours later, the NYPD’s license plate reader system flagged his vehicle near JFK Airport. Port Authority police arrested him inside the terminal while he was allegedly attempting to board a flight to Colombia - his reported home country, where he told authorities he was licensed to practice medicine.

The Illegal Medical Office

The New York City Department of Buildings issued a partial vacate order on the apartment after investigators found a fully equipped illegal medical office inside - complete with exam tables, syringes of cosmetic injectables, and exam lights. Hoyos-Foronda was charged with second-degree assault and unauthorized practice of a profession. He admitted in a criminal complaint to administering the injection and performing the surgery without a license, then pleaded not guilty. He was held without bail. The Queens District Attorney’s Office indicated it was reexamining charges as the investigation continued.

The NYPD urged anyone who may have undergone medical procedures performed by Hoyos-Foronda to come forward, stating they believed additional victims may exist. Tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS.

References: N.Y.C. Man Allegedly Leaves Woman Brain Dead After Illegally Performing Plastic Surgery Procedure at His Home | NYC man caught trying to leave country after illegal surgical procedure left woman unresponsive | Fake doctor accused of poisoning woman with lidocaine injection: Queens DA | Woman who underwent botched cosmetic surgery by fake NYC doctor has died