Latest news with #Chacon
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Defendants accused in death of developmentally disabled woman to appear in court
BERNALILLO — Two caregivers charged in connection with the death of a disabled woman found clinging to life in the back of a van at the U.S.-Mexico border now stand accused of violating the conditions of their release, prompting prosecutors to ask a judge to lock them up until their trial. Angelita Chacon and Patricia Hurtado appeared before 13th Judicial District Judge Christopher Perez for a hearing Monday on allegations they removed their GPS ankle monitors and were in communication with each other, but the judge did not issue a ruling. Instead, Perez granted their attorneys' request to delay the hearing, which he said will probably be set within two weeks. Both women hurried out of the courtroom afterward, and neither one of their attorneys returned a message seeking comment. The alleged violations of Chacon and Hurtado's conditions of release is the latest twist in a caretaker abuse case that shook New Mexico and the state's Developmental Disability Waiver program after Mary Melero, who was under Chacon's care, was discovered unresponsive and wrapped in a blanket in the back of a passenger van after an inspection at the Bridge of the Americas Port of Entry in El Paso in February 2023. 060225_GC_ChaconHurtadoHearing_02rgb.jpg Patricia Hurtado is shown in the state District Court in Sandoval County on Monday for a hearing on the conditions of her release. The incident triggered a sweeping review of the so-called DD Waiver program and in-person wellness checks on everyone in the program across New Mexico. Melero, who had autism and was in a state-run program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, was severely dehydrated and drugged when she was found by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents. She also had numerous open wounds, including chronic bedsores with exposed bone, bruises and lacerations on various parts of her body, as well as ligature marks consistent with prolonged restraint, according to court documents. After Melero was transported to a hospital in El Paso, medical staff determined her wounds were at different stages, suggesting Melero was a victim of chronic abuse. After spending more than a month in the hospital, Melero was removed from life support and died. Chacon, who was Melero's primary caregiver, was charged with five criminal counts, including abuse or neglect of a resident resulting in death. Hurtado, who was Chacon's live-in girlfriend at the time, also was charged with abuse of a resident resulting in death. Supplemental indictments allege the women made fraudulent claims to receive Medicaid benefits for the Customized Community Support program for caring for Melero, as well as Chacon's special-needs son. After they were arrested, an order setting their conditions of release required both, among other provisions, to be placed on electronic monitoring and not to have direct or indirect contact with each other, which prosecutors alleged they violated. "The defendants were alleged to have violated their conditions of release by taking off their ankle monitor and communicating with each other — very clear disregard for the judge's order — so we had requested that the conditions of release be revoked and that that they be remanded into custody," Joseph Martinez, acting director of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit at the New Mexico Department of Justice, said in an interview outside the courtroom. "The judge granted the defense's continuance request to have the hearing very shortly, so we will be prepared at that hearing to request that both defendants be remanded into custody," he said. 060225_GC_ChaconHurtadoHearing_03rgb.jpg State District Judge Chris Perez speaks Monday during a hearing for Angelita Chacon and Patricia Hurtado on Monday. A motion to revoke Hurtado's conditions of release alleges she "admitted to having removed her GPS ankle monitor to leave the county" after an informant alerted authorities. "The informant stated ... she was concerned for her safety because defendant had been sending her 'threatening text messages' after she had witnessed defendant's violations of her conditions of release," documents state. "Pretrial Services also claims that Patricia admitted to remaining in physical and telephonic contact with her co-defendant and even giving Ms. Chacon money ... to pay her bills." The state's motion to revoke Chacon's conditions of release alleges Hurtado told authorities Chacon had removed her ankle monitor to leave the state. "The defendant's conduct of removing her GPS monitor and leaving her county of residence so close to her trial setting highlights the degree to which she represents a risk of flight," documents state. Martinez called the allegations against Chacon and Hurtado "horrific." "Our job at the New Mexico Department of Justice is to hold bad actors accountable," he said. "That's why we are doing our absolute best to bring justice to the vicim in the case and to make sure that everything is investigated and prosecuted thoroughly."
Mint
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Pisco: The fascinating story of Peru's national drink
Come on, c'mon faster! You need to shake it really hard for the foam to form," says Kini Chacon as I work the cocktail shaker. Chacon is a chef at Rooftop Kitchen, a cooking class in Cusco in south-eastern Peru. Under her supervision, I'm getting a crash course in making Peru's national cocktail, the pisco sour. After nearly a minute of manoeuvring the shaker, I pour my cocktail into a glass and take it to the terrace. From the 10th floor of the building in suburban Cusco, I see the historic city spread out below me, its red-roofed houses and soaring church spires flanked by the verdant Andes. I take a sip of my cocktail, which is rather potent for a mid-day drink—but hey, it's five o'clock somewhere, right? Over my 10-day Peruvian jaunt, I down several pisco sours, including one delicious variation with passion fruit called maracuya sour. More than a century after its creation, the pisco sour has lately caught the attention of mixologists worldwide, including in India where many restaurants and bars join in celebrating National Pisco Day on the first Saturday of February. And it's not just traditional pisco sours; you will find inventive versions with guava, pineapple, etc., but all still celebrating the spirit of pisco. The origins of pisco go back to the 16th century when Spanish conquistadors brought grapevines to Peru. The vines flourished in the fertile soil, especially in the coastal valleys, and wine production boomed. In 1641, Spain's King Philip IV prohibited Peruvian wine imports to protect the Spanish wine market. Local producers then began distilling surplus grape juice into a clear brandy. It was called Aguardiente (firewater) de Pisco after the city of Pisco, a significant trading hub during colonial times. Over time, pisco evolved into a uniquely Peruvian spirit that's protected by denomination of origin laws. Also read: The most recommended books on spirits and cocktails Since 1991, Peruvian pisco can only be made from grapes in five regions—Lima, Ica, Arequipa, Moquegua and Tacna. The eight grape varieties are also specified: quebranta, mollar, negra criolla, uvina, italia, moscatel, torontel and albilla. Pisco is distilled just once, and only using copper alembic stills, to 38-48% alcohol by volume (ABV). It is then stored for at least three months in stainless steel, glass or traditional botijas, which are tall terracotta jars. There are four styles of Peruvian pisco of which puro and aromatico are single-varietal spirits, acholdao is a blend of two or more grape varieties, and mosto verde is distilled from partially fermented must. Because of the different types of grapes used, there are wide variations in flavour, aroma, viscosity and appearance of pisco. It can range from colourless to yellowish to light amber, and its taste varies from semi-sweet to dry, with fruity, herbal, or earthy notes. Pisco mosto verde has a smoother, silkier body than the others and you can discern notes of honey. While Peru considers pisco its national spirit, neighbouring Chile also lays claim to its invention. The production regulations in both countries vary; for instance, Chilean pisco can be distilled multiple times, aged in oak barrels and can be diluted before bottling—a strict no-no in Peru. Many historians now believe that pisco was first made in Peru, and in 2013, the European Commission granted Peru the claim to pisco's geographical origin. The debate doesn't end there; it extends to which country invented the pisco sour. Here, most historians agree that the cocktail as we know it today was invented in the early 1920s in Peru. 'The American bartender Victor Vaughen Morris was the first to serve pisco sour at Morris' Bar in Lima," says Chacon as I get ready to shake my own cocktail. All the paraphernalia is laid out in front of me—cocktail shaker, jigger, a small bucket of ice and the four ingredients. 'The standard recipe for pisco sour is three ounces of pisco and one ounce each of simple syrup, lime juice and egg white," explains Chacon. I combine the ingredients in the shaker, throw in a handful of ice, and vigorously shake the mix. After straining it into a glass (usually a rocks, old fashioned or a coupe glass), the final flourish is to add three drops of Angostura bitters. With three ounces of high-ABV spirit, the cocktail is rather strong, but the sweet and tart flavours make it incredibly easy-drinking. However, due to Cusco's high altitude, alcohol can hit you harder, so I would advise caution. Later that evening, I saunter to my hotel's bar for a sundowner. Miguel, the mixologist at Palacio del Inka's Rumi Bar, deviates slightly from the standard pisco sour recipe. 'Many people don't like the taste or smell of egg in their cocktail, so instead of a whole ounce, I add just a splash," he says. Miguel doesn't use a cocktail shaker either. 'I'm going to use an ancient Inca apparatus," he says, and proceeds to mix the cocktail in a blender. Given my aversion to raw eggs, I'm completely on board with Miguel's variation. It's still deliciously frothy without the eggy hint, and the smooth pisco shines brighter—what's not to love? Also read: Why classic cocktails will never go out of style Prachi Joshi is a Mumbai-based travel and food writer.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Yahoo
Final arrest made scheme that defrauded Florida Medicaid program more than $5M
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA)— A final person has been arrested in a scheme that defrauded the Florida Medicaid program of more than $5 million, Attorney General James Uthmeier said. AG's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit arrested and charged the final member, Joseph Chacon. Chacon was arrested on an outstanding warrant at Orlando International Airport on April 23, 2025. According to MFCU, an investigation revealed that the fraud scheme was led by Jose Enrique Hernandez Fernandez, and the defendants operated a nonemergency medical transportation service that billed Medicaid for thousands of trips that were never taken. Florida Attorney General's team investigates price gouging amid hurricane season Trump safe after what FBI describes as apparent assassination attempt 'This scheme defrauded Florida's taxpayers and diverted resources meant for patients in need,' said Attorney General James Uthmeier. 'With the arrest of the final defendant, justice is catching up to every individual who thought they could exploit the Medicaid system. Under my leadership, we will not tolerate fraud, waste, or abuse and will relentlessly pursue those who try to profit at the expense of the people of Florida.' Hernandez Fernandez owned Sweet Transportation, LLC, a company that was contracted to provide nonemergency medical transportation to Medicaid recipients, the office of the Attorney General said. Over at least two years, Hernandez Fernandez and his employers billed for nonexistent trips and inflated mileage on actual trips. According to the office of the Attorney General, GPS data showed that drivers would submit claims while at home, on vacation, or out of the state. Super Bowl champs visit the White House Four people were killed when vehicle smashed through Illinois building, police say Chacon is a dual citizen of the United States and Costa Rica, and was in Costa Rica at the time the warrants were issued for all suspects involved in the scheme. MFCU worked with ICE and the FBI, but Costa Rican officials declined to extradite Chacon, the office of the Attorney General said. Twenty co-defendants were arrested in October 2023. Chacon is being held in the Orange County Jail and faces a felony charge of organized scheme to defraud. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Yahoo
Final suspect in Medicaid fraud scheme arrested at Orlando airport
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has announced the final arrest in a Medicaid fraud scheme. The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit says Joseph Chacon is the final member of a transportation scheme that defrauded the state's Medicaid program of more than $5 million. He was arrested at Orlando International Airport on April 23. The attorney general says Chacon and his co-defendants ran a nonemergency medical transportation service that billed Medicaid for thousands of trips that were never provided. Twenty co-defendants were arrested in October 2023. Investigators say the ringleader was Jose Enrique Hernandez Fernandez, who owned a company called Sweet Transportation LLC that was contracted to provide nonemergency medical transportation services to Medicaid recipients. A news release states that Hernandez Fernandez and his employees billed Medicaid for thousands of nonexistent trips and inflated mileage on actual trips for at least two years. Uthmeier said GPS data showed that drivers often submitted claims while at home, on vacation or sometimes from out of state. 'This scheme defrauded Florida taxpayers and diverted resources meant for patients in need,' Uthmeier said in the release. 'With the arrest of the final defendant, justice is catching up to every individual who thought they could exploit the Medicaid system. Under my leadership, we will not tolerate fraud, waste, or abuse—and we will relentlessly pursue those who try to profit at the expense of the people of Florida.' Chacon, a dual citizen of the United States and Costa Rica, was in Costa Rica when warrants were issued for all of the suspects. The attorney general said the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit coordinated the FBI and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, but Costa Rican officials declined to extradite Chacon. Chacon was arrested at the airport when he returned to the United States. He was booked into the Orange County jail on a felony charge of organized scheme to defraud. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
NBC News
24-03-2025
- Health
- NBC News
Beef tallow as moisturizer? We asked derms if this trend is genius or gross
We don't always have the answers, but we have some people on speed dial who do — which is why we present to you our series FYI where we have experts explain if lip balm is actually bad, how often should you wash your hair and more. Would you do anything for glowy, beautiful skin? Would you slather beef fat all over your face? The latest viral skin care trend has to do with using beef tallow — a.k.a. rendered cow fat — as a moisturizer. But before you head to the grocery store — or slam your laptop shut in utter disgust — we decided to run this trend by dermatologists. Below, find out what they had to say about whether this trend is actually beneficial and how to try it if you so choose. Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. What is beef tallow? Before diving into whether or not beef tallow is a good skin care ingredient, it helps to know what it is. It's the rendered or clarified fat of an animal — in this case, a cow, says Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami, Florida. 'Rendering animal fat makes it shelf stable and limits the growth of bacteria because the moisture is removed through evaporation.' Removing the moisture turns the fat into a solid, almost the texture of wax, that emulsifies when it gets warmed up. Beef tallow is full of nutrients, too. 'It contains fatty acids and vitamins, like A, D, E, and K,' says Dr. Alexandra Bowles, a board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology in Cincinnati. Why are people putting beef tallow on their skin? You're probably thinking, why would anyone put cow fat on their face? And while that is a logical thought, this practice may have some skin benefits. 'Tallow is a natural substance, and because it contains ultra-hydrating lipids, it easily absorbs into the skin while creating a strong barrier to protect the outer layer of the skin,' says Chacon. There may also be some benefits because it contains the same fatty acids your skin naturally has. 'These fatty acids, like oleic acid, help lock moisture into your skin, keeping it hydrated,' says Bowles. 'As mentioned, it also contains vitamins A and E, which can potentially help with skin regeneration, reducing scarring, and soothing irritated skin.' What are the risks of putting beef tallow on your skin? Now that you know the potential benefits of using beef tallow on your skin, it's good to familiarize yourself with the possible downsides. Those with acne-prone skin may face the biggest issues if they use this fat. 'Because tallow is an extremely thick, animal fat-derived moisturizer, it can be comedogenic — meaning it can clog pores,' says Chacon. 'If someone has either acne-prone or oily skin, I would not recommend tallow as moisturizer.' Those with allergies to animal proteins, specifically beef, should also think twice before using it. 'No matter what, I always recommend patch-testing on a small area to see how your skin reacts,' says Bowles. 'It's also always a good idea to check in with your dermatologist first.' Finally, using beef tallow may also be unsuitable for people with sensitive senses of smell. 'Some may not enjoy the meaty scent,' says Chacon. How to use beef tallow as skin care Still want to try using beef tallow to hydrate your skin? First, make sure you pick a quality product. 'I would do your research and seek out a brand that has good transparency on where they are sourcing their tallow,' says Chacon. 'Be sure it's a clean, grass-fed source.' She also notes that if ultra-moisturizing is your goal, you can find options that contain a blend of oils, such as jojoba, combined with tallow to achieve those hydration goals. Once you have the beef tallow you want to use, it's time to apply it. 'Warm a small amount in your hands, then gently apply it to clean, slightly damp skin,' says Bowles. 'You can use it as an overnight treatment, especially for dry or irritated areas.' If you find the tallow too thick, Bowles recommends mixing it with a lighter moisturizer to balance it out. In terms of frequency, unless you have super dry skin, you should avoid using tallow every day. Start with once a week and see how that improves your skin. If you're still noticing dryness, you can increase the frequency of usage from there. What can you use to hydrate skin instead of beef tallow? If you're not feeling the beef tallow trend, there are several other ways to infuse a ton of hydration into your skin. If you want to go the natural route, Chacon suggests looking at plant-derived substitutes like coconut, argan or jojoba oil. Or, look for a moisturizer or face oil formulated for dry skin. Often, these are packed with ingredients known for their hydrating and soothing capabilities — like hyaluronic acid, squalane and niacinamide. Below, we've listed a few of our favorites. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Why trust NBC Select? Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed dermatologists about using beef tallow as skin care.
