"Vampire Facial" Spa Owner Charged for Infecting Two People with HIV

Law enforcement began investigating Maria Ramos de Ruiz, the owner of VIP Salon in Albuquerque, in 2018 after the New Mexico Department of Health received a report that somebody who received a "vampire facial" from the spa tested positive for HIV.

The procedure known as a "vampire facial" involves drawing a small amount of blood from the patient, which is then spun in a centrifuge to extract the plasma. Plasma is then injected back into the client. Vampire facials are to stimulate healing and promote the growth of healthy skin cells.

The spa was shut down in September of 2018 after a health inspection found numerous health and safety violations, including unwrapped needles, unlabeled blood tubes, and fake certifications claiming Ruiz was licensed to perform Botox and vampire facials. She admitted to the inspectors that the tubing used for the injections was not cleaned in between each use.

Only months later, authorities learned that a second client who received a vampire facial at the same spa tested positive for HIV. Officials said that the laboratory tests confirmed both people were infected with the same virus.

Officials said that a total of 137 clients were tested for HIV over concerns that they might have been infected.

On Wednesday (April 21), New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas announced that Ruiz was being charged 12 felonies, including practicing medicine without a license, racketeering, fraud, money laundering, and tax evasion.

"Individuals who jeopardize the health and safety of New Mexican families must be held accountable," Balderas said. "We look forward to presenting this case at trial."

Photo: Getty Images


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