Mayling Maya-Giraldo, 31, was arrested on Feb. 19 during an undercover Botox appointment in Miami and charged with practicing health care without a license, drug possession with intent to distribute, and misrepresenting a license. Investigators say the Instagram-promoted injector planned to use a vial labeled Toxta—an unapproved product from South Korea. Maya-Giraldo pleaded not guilty; her arraignment is scheduled for April 20.
Miami Injector Arrested During Undercover Botox Appointment; Charged With Practicing Without License
Mayling Maya-Giraldo.Credit: Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office
A Miami cosmetic injector, Mayling Maya-Giraldo, 31, was arrested on Feb. 19 after undercover investigators attended a scheduled Botox appointment at her studio, according to court records.
What Happened
Authorities say the appointment was arranged via Instagram direct message by an undercover medical quality assurance investigator with the Florida Department of Health, identified in records as N. Joseph. The investigator paid $450 for the session, which was advertised on Maya-Giraldo's Instagram account @mayling.stetic.
Arrest During Treatment
According to the arrest affidavit, lidocaine had been applied and the procedure was about to begin when detectives from the Medical Crimes Squad entered the premises after an unspecified "take-down signal." Maya-Giraldo was detained and questioned about her licensure.
Charges and Plea
Maya-Giraldo was charged with practicing health care without a license, possession of a drug with intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver, and misrepresenting a license. Court paperwork indicates she entered a written plea of not guilty.
Evidence Reported by Investigators
Investigators say Maya-Giraldo promoted herself on Instagram using the title "doctor" in her bio and posted videos of cosmetic procedures including Botox injections, lip fillers and Endolift laser treatments. When asked, she allegedly told officers she did not hold a medical license in Florida or elsewhere in the United States but had certificates to perform injections.
Examination of the vial intended for the undercover agent reportedly revealed a product called Toxta. The affidavit states that Toxta functions similarly to Botox but is a foreign, unapproved product from South Korea and is not authorized for dispensing in the United States.
Next Steps
Maya-Giraldo was transported to the Miami-Dade County Jail. Court records list her arraignment for April 20. All allegations are from police and court documents; she has pleaded not guilty and is entitled to due process.
Note: Details in this article are based on the arrest affidavit and court records reviewed by the reporting outlet. Charges are allegations and have not been proven in court.
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