(NewsNation) — A Florida plastic surgeon is facing charges in connection with his wife’s death after she suffered a cardiac arrest and died days after he performed procedures on her in his clinic last year.
Benjamin Jacob Brown turned himself in to authorities Monday on a charge of manslaughter by culpable negligence, a second-degree felony. He was released from the Santa Rosa County Jail after posting a $50,000 bond.
His defense attorney said Tuesday that Brown intended to plead not guilty. An arraignment was scheduled for next month.
Sheriff: Doctor’s actions were ‘careless and haphazard’
Authorities said Brown was performing several cosmetic procedures on his wife in November when she went into cardiac arrest. According to the incident report, he waited roughly 15 to 20 minutes before telling his assistant to call 911.
Despite being rushed to a local hospital and placed on life support, Hillary Brown died a week later.
Officials described Benjamin Brown’s actions during the incident as “careless and haphazard.”
“He was mixing stuff in a bowl as opposed to putting it in an IV, just several things that jump out at you that’s really strange,” said Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson.
Report: Wife prepared anesthesia, took pills
According to a report from the Florida Department of Health, Hillary Brown underwent procedures including liposuction, lip filler and an ear adjustment.
Ahead of the procedures, she prepared her anesthesia and took a combination of pills including a sedative, painkiller and antibiotic, according to a report from Florida’s Board of Medicine. She also set up her IV bags.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.