ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla (CBS12) — A former Port St. Lucie medical spa owner convicted of illegally performing cosmetic surgeries was sentenced to 45 years in prison on Friday in St. Lucie County court.
The sentence was 15 years more than prosecutors were seeking. In explaining the harsh sentence, Circuit Court Judge Robert Meadows said the victims “did not sign up for what they got.”
He referred to the defendant’s actions, saying, “This was not a mistake, it was a choice.”
The defense had asked for a sentence in the range of 20 years; the state had asked for 30.
One of the victims testified before the sentencing.
Adley DaSilva, 53, of Stuart, was found guilty last month of 11 felonies tied to procedures performed at Cosmetica Plastic Surgery and Anti-Aging, a now-defunct business on Southeast Port St. Lucie Boulevard.
A jury convicted DaSilva of four counts of aggravated battery causing great bodily harm, four counts of practicing medicine without a license, felony theft, organized fraud and racketeering.
Prosecutors said DaSilva, a licensed physician assistant, performed surgical procedures he was not licensed to carry out as a surgeon. Investigators said patients underwent cosmetic procedures including liposuction, Brazilian butt lifts, tummy tucks and breast augmentations, with some later reporting severe infections and other medical complications.
The case stems from a state and police investigation into Cosmetica, which authorities said began after concerns were raised about procedures being performed without a properly licensed physician present. The Florida Department of Health suspended the office’s registration in 2022, and the business was later shut down.
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(From left) Adley Dasilva, Diane Millan, Fermal Simpson, and Kiomy Quintiana. (Source: MCSO, PBSO, SLCSO)
In previous coverage, Port St. Lucie police said the business initially operated with a doctor, but investigators alleged staff later took over procedures without the required licensing or authorization. Police said some patients paid thousands of dollars for procedures.
DaSilva was one of several people arrested in connection with the investigation. His wife, Kiomy Quintiana, was also charged, along with Dianne Millan and Fermal Simpson. Some related cases remain pending.
During the investigation, authorities said four patients came forward after suffering serious health issues following procedures at Cosmetica. Police previously described one victim as having a significant amount of skin missing from her abdomen after complications.
DaSilva’s defense has previously maintained that he worked under the supervision of licensed physicians and did not pose as a doctor.
Friday’s sentencing follows a four-day trial in May. Prosecutors have said DaSilva faces more than 75 years in prison.