Miami Suspect in 14-Count Unlicensed Surgery Case Vanishes Before Trial

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 26

Joao Batista Cunha De Araujo, 57, disappeared days before his Miami trial after his ankle monitor sent a tamper alert on Aug. 1, triggering a new arrest warrant and full extradition authorization.
Miami-Dade authorities said the Brazilian national had surrendered his passport and was on house arrest, but officers could not find him or the monitor at his last known Bay Harbor Islands residence.
Araujo faces 14 charges, 13 of them felonies, tied to allegations that he performed plastic surgery without a Florida license; investigators say an undercover detective was quoted for chin liposuction during a sting.
Court records say at least one patient was injured after receiving 17 bottles of filler in one sitting, while Araujo's wife and co-defendant—who was deported earlier this year—posted a video that appeared to show him at a restaurant.
The disappearance deepens questions over how Araujo may have reached Brazil after a judge had already denied his request to return home before trial over fears he would not come back.