A California-based plastic surgeon and his nurse have been handed prison sentences for their involvement in a fatal plastic surgery procedure. Dr. Carlos Chacon received a three-year prison term on Friday after accepting a plea deal for manslaughter in the death of 36-year-old Megan Espinoza, a mother of two. Espinoza died from an overdose of drugs, including ketamine and fentanyl. Chacon has also been permanently barred from practicing medicine in California.
Heather Alice Lang Vass, the nurse who assisted Chacon, was given a two-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter. Vass has surrendered her nursing license, but she may apply for its reinstatement in the future.
Espinoza’s mother, Judith Gorcey, criticized Vass for failing to call 911. Gorcey expressed her grief, stating that the individuals responsible for her daughter’s death had not only ended Megan’s life but also sentenced her loved ones to a lifetime of extreme pain.
Both defendants expressed remorse for their actions. Chacon addressed Espinoza’s father, stating that he would trade places with Megan if he could. Vass also expressed regret, stating that her failure to call for help would haunt her for the rest of her life.
David Gorcey, Espinoza’s father, expressed dissatisfaction with the lenient sentencing. He stated that the minimum sentence of three years seemed painfully inappropriate.
Espinoza’s heart stopped during a procedure at Divino Plastic Surgery six days before Christmas in 2018. According to the warrant, Espinoza went into cardiac arrest during the surgery. Chacon responded by leaving the room to attend to other patients, seeking advice from other doctors instead of calling 911, instructing staff not to call 911, and misleading Espinoza’s husband about the situation.
Prosecutors revealed that Chacon did not call 911 until three hours after Espinoza’s heart stopped, by which time it was too late to save her. Espinoza passed away on January 28, 2019. An autopsy revealed that she died from ischemic encephalopathy, caused by a lack of blood flow and oxygen to the brain.
In December 2022, it was reported that Espinoza’s family had settled a lawsuit against Chacon. Espinoza, a kindergarten teacher, was remembered as a devoted wife and mother who loved spending time with her family and friends.