A Cutler Bay home allegedly operating as a private recovery ward for cosmetic-surgery patients is now at the center of a criminal case. Investigators say they found three post-operative patients, two employees and a house outfitted for patient care during a search this week.
According to WSVN 7News, detectives executed a search warrant Thursday at a residence in the 8900 block of Southwest 215th Lane. The home reportedly had four beds and five recliners, while patients were allegedly charged between $300 and $450 per night for help with bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, hygiene, medication and massages.
The arrest report also alleges that Sandra Elvira-Paez administered anticoagulant injections to patients. Investigators said the setup functioned like an assisted living facility, even though it was being run out of a residence rather than a licensed care facility.
What Investigators Say They Found Inside
Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration says personal-care services such as assistance with bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, personal hygiene or medications can trigger assisted-living licensure requirements when provided around the clock. The agency’s guidance also identifies assisted-living facilities as settings that provide full-time living arrangements and routine personal care.
A records check cited by WSVN 7News found that Paez did not hold a Florida license to provide medical or massage services, although she allegedly told investigators she was licensed to perform massages in Colombia. Jail records indicated she was taken to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center and later released without appearing before a judge.
Miami-Dade Has Seen Similar Recovery-Home Arrests
The case follows several recent investigations into informal post-surgery recovery operations across Miami-Dade. In March, Hoodline reported on a Hialeah bust involving three patients and two employees at an apartment allegedly operating without an assisted-living license.
In a separate 2025 case, Local 10 reported that deputies found four patients at a west Miami-Dade recovery home that authorities said was registered as a business but not licensed as an assisted-living facility. Those cases point to a recurring regulatory problem in a region where cosmetic-surgery patients often need overnight help after procedures.
Why The License Matters Under Florida Law
Florida law treats knowingly owning, renting or maintaining an unlicensed assisted-living facility as a third-degree felony, according to Florida Statute 429.08. The law also states that each day of continued operation can count as a separate offense.
For now, the allegations against Paez remain allegations, and a criminal charge is not a conviction. The investigation and any court proceedings will determine what charges ultimately move forward and whether prosecutors can prove the home was operating as an unlicensed care facility.
