Botox bandit accused of bailing on bill

ST PETERSBURG (FOX 13) - A 31-year-old woman is accused of scamming two doctors' offices out of more than $1,700 of Botox and other cosmetic procedures.

Nicole Brown is charged with felony grand theft and obtaining property in return for a worthless check.

According to St Petersburg police, on January 7, Brown had 37 units of Botox and Juvederm injections at Dr. William W. Adams Office, 2299 9th Ave North. Her treatments totaled $870.

Brown allegedly said she had to go to her car to get her credit card. She left without paying.

Dr. Adam's Office contacted St Pete Police, and detectives were able to link Brown to a similar theft last year.

On September 5, 2015, staff at the Kass Center for Cosmetic Surgery, 6025 4th St. North, reported a patient getting 32 units of Botox and Juvederm injections worth $902, but she paid with a worthless check.

"She would come in and she would vary her name, just the spelling a little bit and the date of birth, just enough to throw things off," said Yolanda Fernandez, spokesperson for the St Pete Police Department.

By changing her identity, Brown was able to continue getting treatments without being linked to the previous crime, according to police.

"This could happen very easily, because what typically happens is you bring someone in the room, you discuss what you're going to do, you do the procedure and then you charge them on the way out," said Dr. Mona Mangat of MD Skin Effects.

While Mangat's office was not hit, she said Botox injections have become a very common procedure that must be redone every 3-4 months to maintain the youthful effects.

"It's extremely popular. I would say it's probably one of the most popular esthetic procedures," said Mangat. "It gives you a very natural, relaxed look. People do love the results they get with Botox, which is why they come in on a regular basis."

Brown was booked at the Pinellas County Jail and released Thursday, according to jail records. She posted a bond of $4,000.