A Massachusetts woman is facing federal charges for allegedly offering illegal silicone injections in exchange for money.
Gladys Araceli Ceron, 71, of North Andover, appeared in federal court in Boston Wednesday on one count of delivery for pay of an adulterated or misbranded device received in interstate commerce.
According to U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling's Office, Ceron allegedly injected individuals with silicone oil at a business in Lawrence.
Authorities said Ceron had been obtaining "gluteal material" from a source in Florida for over eight years.
During a federal search warrant executed at the source's residence in 2016, agents seized plastic bottles of suspected cosmetic silicone fillers. Lab tests confirmed that those fillers contained silicone oil, which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says can cause a stroke, death or permanent disfigurement.
A cooperating witness began working with federal agents in 2018, according to Lelling's office.
A search of Ceron's Lawrence business in June 2018 allegedly resulted in the seizure of several bottles and syringes of a substance that tests revealed to be silicone oil. Authorities said numerous uncapped, used, syringes were also recovered.
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Anyone who was a client of Ceron's is being urged to contact The U.S. Attorney’s Victim Assistance Staff.
It's unclear when Ceron is due back in court or if she has an attorney. She could face a sentence of no greater than one year in prison and a fine of $100,000.
