THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11) — An unlicensed doctor accused of illegally performing a medical procedure at a Bronx lifestyle center injected a 27‑year‑old woman with an NAD+ infusion before she lost consciousness and later died, according to a criminal complaint obtained by PIX11 News.
Police said the procedure took place Sunday at Bereshit Lifestyle Center on Riverdale Avenue. According to the complaint, Luis Rojas Cabrera inserted an IV line into Elizabeth Baron, 27, delivering nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) despite having no medical license or legal authority to perform the treatment.
Officials said NAD+ IV therapy in New York requires a prescription from a licensed medical professional, which Cabrera did not have.
Investigators said Cabrera told officers, in part: “I gave her a NAD+ IV. She went unconscious immediately. I called 911. I am a doctor in the Dominican Republic. I have a PA license in Puerto Rico. I am not a licensed doctor in New York. My application is pending. I only have an esthetician license.”
Police said Cabrera did not provide documentation authorizing him to administer or prescribe NAD+ IV therapy.
Baron was found at a local hospital with an IV catheter still in her right hand and was pronounced dead at 1:09 p.m. Sunday, officials said.
The FDA has previously issued warnings regarding sterile-compounded NAD+ products due to severe endotoxin contamination risks, which can harm patients.
Cabrera was charged with reckless endangerment and unauthorized practice of a profession, according to police. A judge ordered him to surrender his passport, and his next court date is Sept. 9. Authorities say charges could be upgraded pending the victim’s toxicology report.
Officers said Cabrera later told them, “I made a very big mistake. I need to call my family because I have a feeling I will not be home for a while.”
Nicole Alarcon is an award-winning digital content producer. She has covered local news for the tri-state area since 2021. She joined PIX11 News in 2026. See more of her work here.