A Brazilian national accused of performing unlicensed plastic surgeries in Miami, infamously nicknamed “Dr. Frankenstein” by critics, has reportedly disappeared just days before his trial was slated to begin. Joao Batista Cunha De Araujo, 57, faces 14 charges, 13 of them felonies, in Miami-Dade County, stemming from allegations of theft, fraud, and practicing medicine without a license. Authorities confirmed Araujo had surrendered his passport and was under house arrest with an ankle monitor, only for the device to trigger a tamper alert on August 1st, three days before his trial was scheduled to commence.
Unlicensed Practice and Allegations of Botched Procedures
The case against Araujo gained traction after anonymous tips led authorities to conduct a sting operation. An undercover detective posed as a patient seeking a consultation for chin liposuction and was allegedly provided with a price quote for the procedure. Court documents indicate that Araujo, along with his co-defendant and wife, Amanda Soares Felizardo Ungaro, 41, did not possess any medical licenses in Florida, according to the Florida Department of Health.
At least one patient, identified in court documents as “AJ,” has come forward with allegations of suffering injuries from a botched procedure. The victim reportedly sought lip and jaw filler treatments from Araujo, receiving a substantial 17 bottles in a single session. This allegedly resulted in hardened lumps in her lips, jaw, and cheekbone. The patient initially paid $15,000 for the procedure, which was later reduced to $7,000, and subsequently required treatment from a licensed plastic surgeon to address the complications.
From House Arrest to Vanished
Following his arrest, Araujo was ordered by the court to surrender his passport and was placed on an ankle monitor as he awaited trial. However, on Saturday, August 1st, the ankle monitor reportedly generated a tamper alert. Responding officers visited his last known address on the Bay Harbor Islands, a high-rise overlooking the water, but were unable to locate Araujo or the monitoring device. Consequently, his house arrest was revoked, and a new arrest warrant was issued by a Miami judge, authorizing full extradition.
Local authorities have deferred inquiries regarding Araujo’s current whereabouts to the U.S. Marshals and the Brazilian government, neither of whom were immediately available for comment. Reports citing sources close to the case suggest Araujo may have fled to his native Brazil, raising significant questions about how he managed to leave the country after surrendering his passport.
Defense and Co-Defendant’s Status
Araujo’s attorney, Mark Eiglarsh, expressed surprise at his client’s disappearance. He stated that he was still reviewing the case’s discovery materials and that the trial date would likely have been postponed. “My client previously entered a plea of not guilty to the charges, and I was prepared to vigorously challenge the allegations brought by the prosecution,” Eiglarsh told Fox News Digital. “For reasons unknown to me, he has chosen to make himself unavailable to continue fighting for his innocence. If he ever reappears, I will continue to fight zealously on his behalf.”
Araujo’s wife and co-defendant, Amanda Soares Felizardo Ungaro, who faced seven charges related to the case, was deported earlier this year. She recently posted a video on social media that appeared to show Araujo smiling at a restaurant table, though the timing and location of the video were not immediately clear. Ungaro did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Previous Court Denials
Court documents reveal that Araujo had previously petitioned the court for permission to return to Brazil while awaiting trial. However, Judge Tanya Brinkley denied this request, citing concerns that Araujo might not return to Florida to face his charges. The judge’s concerns now appear prescient, as Araujo has vanished just before his trial was set to begin.
The case highlights the dangers associated with unlicensed medical practitioners and the lengths to which some individuals may go to evade justice. The investigation into Araujo’s alleged activities and his subsequent disappearance is ongoing, with authorities working to ascertain his current location and the full extent of his alleged illicit medical practices.
