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FDA
FDA Consumer
magazine
September-October 2003 Issue
In prior issues of FDA Consumer you have illustrated the various investigations of lawbreakers your organization has undertaken, and the fines and sentences given to the perpetrators.
I have noticed there is usually quite a lag time between all these actions, and that the sentences given never seem to fit the severity of the crimes committed. One gets the impression that many of your efforts may have ended in futility for the time and expense involved.
Is there some way to speed up the process and get a better percentage of convictions?
I certainly in no way am impugning your efforts, which are greatly appreciated by the public, only suggesting some way to improve your image.
Thank you for a very informative and well-designed publication. I would love to see your circulation improved dramatically.
Edward Kaplan
West Palm Beach, Fla.
A reply from the FDA's Office of Criminal Investigations:
The federal criminal offenses investigated by special agents assigned to the FDA's Office of Criminal Investigations (OCI) are usually extremely complex and often occur in a number of judicial districts within the United States. In addition, many cases have international aspects, which can further impact the OCI's ability to investigate and gather evidence. Ultimately, a U.S. Attorney with jurisdiction must review the evidence and present the case to a federal grand jury before a felony indictment can be brought. Then the defendants are brought before the District Court and the case proceeds in accordance with the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. All of this can take significant time depending on the circumstances in each case.