The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania stated that Mauricio Sarmiento, 35, from Ecuador, was given a one-year probation without reporting, a $500 fine, and a $100 special fee for bringing mislabeled drugs into the United States.
The U.S. attorney’s office stated that Sarmiento admitted guilt on November 20, 2024, to a single charge against him.
“Medical care and treatments are strictly controlled in this country to keep people healthy and safe,” said U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero.
Sarmiento knew that he wasn’t allowed to practice here and that the drugs he handed out were labeled incorrectly. This office and the FBI will keep working together to hold accountable those who commit medical wrongdoing for the public’s benefit.
Since 2022, Sarmiento, a doctor from Ecuador, traveled frequently to the U.S. to offer medical care and recommend medications for a fee, even though he did not have a license to practice or prescribe in the U.S., according to the U.S. attorney’s office.
Sarmiento arranged for some of the drugs he gave out in the U.S. to be sent from Ecuador, according to the office.
On September 10, 2024, police found Sarmiento and took away improperly labeled drugs and medical tools, such as IV medicines and a centrifuge for plasma therapy, as reported by FBI officials.
“Our main focus is keeping our community safe,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia.
“The FBI is dedicated to investigating fraud, protecting our healthcare systems, and making sure that those who take advantage of them face consequences.”
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