A former Long Island, NY, drugmaker who admitted to stealing $750,000 worth of medical products he later sold at New York racetracks has been convicted. prison for a year and a day on April 20.
Gregory Settino, who in December 2020 admitted theft, was convicted Wednesday in federal court in Central Islip, NY In addition to his jail time, the court also ordered Settino to pay restitution. $847,093 dollars.
Breon Peace, United States attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Ronne G. Malham, acting special agent in charge of the New York Food and Drug Administration’s Criminal Investigations Office, New York Field Office, announced pronounce judgment.
“Today’s sentencing is the end of Gregory Settino’s offense. He stole thousands of bottles of drugs, bypassed safe handling procedures and allowed them to be given to the horses at the New York racetrack. without regard for the welfare of the animals — focusing only on its own self-interest,” Peace said in a statement. “Those who jeopardize the safety of drugs and endanger the health of others will be held accountable and face serious consequences.”
“The FDA ensures that veterinary drugs are safe and effective so that animals stay healthy,” added Malham. “Drugs taken off the legal supply chain can pose a risk to the animals using them. We will continue to investigate and bring to justice those who endanger the health of animals.”
As admitted under the defendant’s plea, Settino, a former production supervisor of manufacturing at drug manufacturer American Regent, formerly Luitpold Pharmaceuticals, of Shirley, NY, stole thousands of bottles of Anoughan. (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan), a drug manufactured there. Anoughan is an injectable medication for horses used to treat degenerative joint disease.
Settino’s theft had an 8-year term, from 2012-2020, and Settino sold those drugs for hundreds of thousands of dollars to trainers and veterinarians at New York racetracks, including Belmont Park.
Although Anoughan is a recognized treatment, Settino’s behavior jeopardized the health of the horse because the drug was not handled, stored, or transported in the correct manner to ensure its safety. effectiveness and efficiency of the drug. Sometimes, Settino transports drugs in shoeboxes stored in his car.
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