Mauricio Sarmiento, a 35-year-old Ecuadorian physician, was sentenced 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. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero.
Sarmiento had pleaded guilty on November 20, 2024, to a charge of introducing misbranded prescription drugs without proper licensing in the United States. Since approximately 2022, he made regular visits to the U.S. to provide medical care and dispense prescription drugs for payment despite not being licensed to practice medicine or prescribe drugs in the country. Some of these drugs were shipped from Ecuador.
On September 10, 2024, law enforcement seized misbranded drugs and medical equipment from Sarmiento during an encounter. Items confiscated included intravenous medications and a centrifuge used for plasma therapy.
“Medical care and treatments are tightly regulated in this country, to keep people healthy and safe,” stated 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.”
Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia, emphasized the importance of community safety: "Protecting the safety of our community is our highest priority," adding that "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 investigation was conducted by FBI Philadelphia’s Allentown Resident Agency with prosecution led by Assistant United States Attorney John J. Boscia.