A South Florida woman accused of operating an unlicensed post-surgery recovery home in southwest Miami-Dade has been released from jail after posting bond.<\/p>\n
Yordanka Ozabala Garcia, 50, was taken into custody on Thursday at a home near Southwest 127th Avenue and 42nd Terrace. Authorities identified Garcia after an investigation led by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, who allege she was running an unlicensed assisted living and recovery facility from the property.<\/p>\n
Detectives with the department’s medical crimes unit began their investigation after an anonymous tip alerted authorities to possible illegal activity at the residence.<\/p>\n
According to an arrest report, detectives conducted multiple “trash pulls” at the home before the arrest and recovered materials believed to be biohazardous waste.<\/p>\n
On April 23, detectives executed a search warrant and reported finding additional medical waste inside the home, including in the kitchen, as well as in trash bags and county-issued garbage bins outside.<\/p>\n
Investigators noted that Garcia did not have proper biohazard disposal measures. <\/p>\n
The report states Garcia lacked authorized medical waste containers, warning labels, or a contract with a licensed company to handle hazardous materials.<\/p>\n
Officials said 11 patients were inside the home at the time of Garcia’s arrest.<\/p>\n
Garcia was transported to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in West Miami-Dade. <\/p>\n
According to the Miami-Dade Corrections website, Garcia posted a $2,500 bond.<\/p>\n
When CBS News Miami visited the home listed in the report, no one answered the door. <\/p>\n
Neighbor Nelcy Castellon expressed surprise about the arrest. <\/p>\n
“Una buena vecina y yo no me daba cuenta,” Castellon said in Spanish, describing Garcia as a good neighbor and adding she had no idea anything unusual was happening.<\/p>\n