A Virginia Beach, Va., woman has been charged with practicing dentistry without a license, WTKR reported Dec. 17.
Cristine Caro-Valencia was arrested Nov. 22 after a months-long investigation in which officials surveilled events in the building next to her husband's veterinary clinic.
In June, the Virginia Beach Police Department began working with an anonymous source who said they experienced pain after receiving services at Cosmetics Dental Labs. In July, investigators found dental and medical equipment in trash allegedly thrown out by Ms. Caro-Valencia.
During a regular inspection of the veterinary clinic, law enforcement officials observed equipment consistent with a dental practice in the building next door, including dental chairs, brochures and dental cleaning tools. They also said they saw bills for payments and other written notes.
The news station said there is no Cristine Caro-Valencia licensed in the state of Virginia for dentistry. When contacted by the station, Ms. Caro-Valencia's lawyer said, "No comment at this time and none allowed from her. As the saying goes, there are three sides to every story — please make sure you cover them all in this case."
Ms. Caro-Valencia is scheduled to have a preliminary hearing Feb. 11, according to WTKR.