Ecuadorian Man Sentenced for Introducing Misbranded Prescription Drugs Without a License in the United States

PHILADELPHIA - United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Mauricio Sarmiento, 35, of Ecuador, was sentenced today to one year of non-reporting probation, a $500 fine, and a $100 special assessment by United States District Court Judge John M. Gallagher for introducing misbranded drugs into interstate commerce.

On November 20, 2024, Sarmiento pleaded guilty to a one-count information charging him with that offense.

Since in or about 2022, Sarmiento, an Ecuadorian physician, made regular trips to the United States to provide medical care and prescription drugs in return for payment. Sarmiento did so even though he was not licensed to practice medicine or prescribe drugs in the United States. He also caused some of the drugs he dispensed while in the United States to be shipped from Ecuador.

On September 10, 2024, law enforcement encountered Sarmiento and seized misbranded drugs and medical equipment, including intravenous medications and a centrifuge used to provide plasma therapy.

"Medical care and treatments are tightly regulated in this country, to keep people healthy and safe," said U.S. Attorney Romero. "Sarmiento was well aware that he wasn't licensed to practice here and that the drugs he dispensed were misbranded. This office and the FBI will continue to work on the public's behalf to prosecute such medical malfeasance."

"Protecting the safety of our community is our highest priority," said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. "The FBI is steadfast in its commitment to investigating fraud, safeguarding the integrity of our healthcare systems, and ensuring those who exploit them are held accountable."

The case was investigated by FBI Philadelphia's Allentown Resident Agency and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John J. Boscia.