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Unlicensed doctor charged in death

The victim had a fatal reaction to a shot given by a man who had no license to practice in Florida.

Associated Press
Published January 17, 2004

MIAMI - A man with an injured hand went to an unlicensed doctor, received an antibiotic shot and died of a reaction to the drug.

Anastacio Mongalo, who police say was practicing from his home without a license, could be charged with manslaughter in the death of Cipraino Herrera, said Miami-Dade police Detective Randy Rossman.

Mongalo, 66, was charged Thursday night with practicing health care without a license, selling legal drugs that resulted in a death and possession of a new drug without a prescription and with intent to sell. He remained in Miami-Dade County Jail Friday in lieu of $100,000 bail. His arraignment was set for Feb. 5.

Detectives were awaiting a toxicology report from the Medical Examiner's Office before deciding whether to charge Mongalo with manslaughter, Rossman said.

Herrera, whose age and hometown were not immediately known, died Wednesday night after visiting Mongalo's home with a puncture wound to his hand, according to police.

After Mongalo gave Herrera an injection of an antibiotic and Herrera had a bad reaction, Mongalo took him to a clinic in Sweetwater. Doctors there called rescue personnel, who took Herrera to Kendall Regional Hospital, where police said he died.

Mongalo told detectives he had a medical license when he moved from Nicaragua to Miami about 14 years ago, but said he didn't pass state medical board examinations here, Rossman said.

Detectives are trying to determine how and where Mongalo obtained medications.

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