NYC Skincare Specialist Injects Clients with Chinese Fake Botox, Leading to Severe Health Issues
A recent scandal has rocked the skincare industry in New York City, as a skincare specialist, Joey Grant Luther, 54, has been arrested for injecting clients with fake Botox imported from China. This deceitful act led to one woman suffering from "double vision" and a myriad of other health complications, according to federal authorities.
Luther, who operated the medical spa JGL Aesthetics in Hell's Kitchen, allegedly knowingly distributed counterfeit Botox to unsuspecting clients. Shockingly, he conducted these treatments without the necessary license from the state of New York, a serious violation of medical regulations.
One victim, who paid $463 in February 2024 for what she believed was a legitimate Botox injection to her eyebrow and armpit, experienced alarming symptoms just three days after the procedure. These included double vision, dizziness, difficulty swallowing and chewing, heart palpitations, and slurred speech. Subsequent medical evaluation revealed that the victim had been exposed to Botulism toxin, a dangerous consequence of the counterfeit Botox.
Despite multiple clients reporting severe health issues after receiving treatments from Luther, he shamelessly continued to profit from the illicit procedures for months. Brandon Thompson, the prosecutor on the case, highlighted Luther's callous actions, emphasizing that he was well aware of the harm caused to his clients yet chose to prioritize financial gain.
Even more disturbingly, Luther persistently requested more of the unsafe Botox from his supplier, demonstrating a blatant disregard for the well-being of those he treated. In a shocking revelation, court documents unveiled Luther's audacious plea for 41 free bottles of the toxic substance, citing the suffering of his clients as the reason for his request.
Following his arrest, Luther, who resides in a penthouse above his medical office in close proximity to West 45th Street and Ninth Avenue, was charged with wire fraud, smuggling, and other offenses related to the distribution of misbranded and counterfeit drugs.
Despite the gravity of the accusations against him, Luther was released on $100,000 bail, secured by his secondary residence in Miami Beach. This decision, contested by prosecutors who deemed him a significant public risk, was accompanied by stringent conditions set by US Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave. Luther was required to surrender his existing aesthetics license, which already prohibited him from performing Botox treatments, and offer his Miami Beach property as collateral.
The victims of Luther's fraudulent practices were under the false impression that the Botox administered to them was sourced from the reputable brand Allergan. However, federal agents intercepted numerous cartons of counterfeit products from Asia that Luther had intended to use in his office, underscoring the extent of his deception.
Danielle Sassoon, the interim US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, condemned Luther's actions, stating that his blatant disregard for his clients' well-being had jeopardized their health and, in some instances, resulted in life-threatening injuries.
When approached for comment as he exited the court, Luther remained silent. His next court appearance is scheduled for early February, where he will face severe consequences if convicted, including a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years for the primary charge against him.
