Related To Story Bella Derm Investigation |
Bella Derm Patient Says She Got Ill From Spa Procedure
36 Women File Complaints About Weight-Loss Treatment
POSTED: 11:43 am EDT May 22,
2007
UPDATED: 8:15 am EDT May 23,
2007
WESTLAKE, Ohio -- A 5 On Your Side investigation led to a medi-spa owner being arrested and a state investigation. Now NewsChannel5 investigator Ron Regan said there are new allegations concerning a serious health risk. An arrest warrant was issued for Richard Annabella last month after he was charged with practicing medicine without a license at his Bella Derm Medi-Spa in Westlake. As a result of Regan's investigation, 36 women told police about painful weight loss treatments they received -- treatments they said did not work. A woman, who asked that her identity be protected, described similar treatments that she said infected her with Hepatitis C. "I went and explained to my family physician what I had done and what I had been exposed to. I had blood work done and I am positive for Hepatitis C. So you women out there, go get tested. This gentleman needs to be stopped," she said. She's filed a lawsuit that claims Hepatitis C was passed through needles that punctured her skin. "It was like a mini roller that had 50 needles on it and it would actually roll across your stomach and it would puncture the skin and it would bleed," she said. The woman's attorney, Thomas Robenalt, said the procedure opened patients up to diseases. “The sanitary procedures used by Annabella were not appropriate and recklessly exposed the patients to various diseases including HIV and Hepatitis C, because this acupuncture roller was not properly sterilized and used in multiple patients," Robenalt said. Police said up to 300 women had similar procedures. “We've called the state health board, the county health department. She obviously went to her physician and had it confirmed, so it’s a big concern,” said Lt. Ray Arcuri of the Westlake Police Department. Meanwhile, Annabella will be arraigned on 36 felony of practicing without a license next month.
Previous Stories:
- April 4, 2007: Spa Owner Charged With Practicing Without License
- March 23, 2007: State Investigates Westlake Medical Spa
- March 13, 2007: Alleged Medi-Spa Violations Presented To Cosmetology Board
- February 23, 2007: Woman Says She Believed She Was Under Physician's Care At Spa
- February 18, 2007: Medi-Spa Questions
Copyright 2007 by NewsNet5. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.











