SANTA ANA, CA – A Laguna Niguel day spa owner is about to trade facials for federal prison time. Bridget “Gigi” Goddard, 50, of Dana Point, has agreed to plead guilty to a federal charge stemming from her operation of Pure Indulgence Skin Rejuvenation, where she illegally dispensed Botox not approved for use in the United States.
According to federal prosecutors, Goddard, owner of Pure Indulgence, admitted to ordering the dangerous cosmetic from Canadian companies peddling unapproved drugs. This isn’t a small-time operation; one of Goddard’s suppliers, SB Medical Inc., already pleaded guilty in Virginia and was slapped with a staggering $45 million fine, forced to forfeit another $30 million for smuggling misbranded pharmaceuticals into the U.S. The Botox Goddard purchased wasn’t destined for American faces – it was manufactured for distribution in countries like Turkey and never received FDA approval.
The scheme unraveled in April 2016 when Goddard attempted to inject an undercover FDA agent, believing her to be a paying customer. She brazenly told the agent a physician’s examination wasn’t necessary, and actively misled her about the drug’s origins and approval status. This wasn’t about aesthetics; it was a deliberate disregard for patient safety and a blatant violation of federal regulations.
“Drugs and medical devices are regulated to protect the American public,” stated United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. “Those who circumvent those regulations pose a very real risk to patients who could be subject to unsafe products that can do serious harm.” Lisa Malinowski, Special Agent in Charge of the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the public’s reliance on FDA oversight and the danger posed by criminals distributing unapproved drugs.
Goddard now faces a statutory maximum penalty of three years in federal prison after pleading guilty to one count of receipt and delivery of a misbranded drug. She’s scheduled to appear in United States District Court in Santa Ana on December 12. This case serves as a stark reminder that cutting corners with public health will land you in cuffs.
The investigation was led by the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigation, with prosecution handled by Assistant United States Attorney Scott D. Tenley of the Santa Ana branch office. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing.
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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