Division of Consumer Affairs’ Investigation
Results in Arrest for
Unlicensed Practice of Medicine in West New York
NEWARK – A Fort Lee resident who is not licensed to practice medicine in New Jersey has been arrested and charged with unlicensed practice after he allegedly offered to perform liposuction on an undercover investigator who went to his West New York office.
Rosendo S. Icochea, 65, was released on his own recognizance after being arrested
Wednesday night, May 4. Unlicensed practice of medicine is a third-degree crime.
This is the second time action has been taken against Icochea for unlicensed practice of medicine. In 2009, he admitted to unlicensed practice, agreed to cease and desist, and was assessed $10,000 in civil penalties by the New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners.
Icochea, who holds a medical license in New York, allegedly asked for $6,000 to perform liposuction and other cosmetic surgery. Investigators from Consumer Affairs’ Enforcement Bureau began looking into Icochea’s activities following an anonymous tip received earlier this year.
“Our Board of Medical Examiners licenses physicians to ensure those treating patients meet the standards that we set for quality healthcare and to safeguard the public,” Attorney General Paula T. Dow said. “Unlicensed practice of medicine is a crime because it places the public at needless risk.”
Investigators went to Icochea’s practice, the New Jersey Institute of Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, at 6507 Bergenline Avenue, for a physical examination and assessment by Icochea.
“If you’re a doctor practicing in New Jersey, then you need to be licensed in New Jersey – it’s not a complicated concept,” said Thomas R. Calcagni, Acting Director of the State Division of Consumer Affairs. “For those who repeatedly refuse to comply with the law, criminal charges are the best medicine.”
Acting Director Calcagni thanked the West New York Police Department for its assistance in this matter.
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