MIAMI, March 29 (UPI) -- A University of Kentucky professor surrendered Tuesday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on charges of conspiracy to promote bogus Botox.
Robert Baker, an ophthalmologist at the university's medical school, pleaded innocent and was freed under $200,000 bond, The Miami Herald reported.
He was among four people who have been charged with promoting a form of botulinum toxin as an inexpensive alternative to the anti-wrinkle substance Botox.
Four south Floridians were infected with botulism and became paralyzed last year after receiving injections of the knockoff substance, investigators said.
One of the victims also was charged in the case. Also indicted were Chad Livdahl and Zarah Karim, owners of Toxin Research International of Tucson, Ariz.
Baker said he will return to Kentucky and continue teaching until his trial He is charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States by engaging in mail and wire fraud.
His attorney referred to the case as one of "professional identity theft," but would not elaborate.
