October 4, 2018: Troutdale Doctor Sentenced for Purchasing and Administering Foreign-Sourced Botox and Juvaderm
U.S. Department of Justice Press Release
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For Immediate Release |
United States Department of Justice District of Oregon |
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PORTLAND, Ore. – Brenda Roberts, 54, of Troutdale, Oregon, was sentenced today to six months’ probation and 40 hours of community service for illegally purchasing foreign-sourced Botox and Juvaderm on the internet and administering both to patients in her home.
“Purchasing foreign-sourced and unapproved drugs and devices on the internet poses a grave danger to the health and safety patients. Dr. Roberts violated her professional duty to ‘do no harm’ and instead subjected her patients to an incredible risk of injury,” said Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
“U.S. consumers rely on FDA oversight to ensure that the drugs and medical devices they use are safe and effective. Rogue health care professionals who obtain foreign unapproved medical products, and dispense and administer those products to their patients, put the health of those patients at significant risk,” said Lisa L. Malinowski, Special Agent in Charge, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations’ Los Angeles Field Office. “We will continue to pursue and bring to justice those who choose to put the public’s health at such risk.”
According to court documents, beginning in 2008, Roberts provided medical services from her home in Troutdale as a supplement to her full-time position with an outside medical practice. Roberts would purchase Botox and Juvaderm from websites including BuckaDayPharmacy.com, AllDayChemist.com and FindlandiaPharmacy.com that were manufactured for distribution in foreign countries, but not approved for use in the U.S. Roberts would administer Botox and Juvaderm to clients from her home office.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigated Roberts for dispensing controlled substances over the internet. During their investigation, the DEA learned of Roberts administering Botox to patients in her home and referred the matter to the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA-OCI) for further investigation. Roberts resolved these claims via a monetary civil settlement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office Civil Division in May 2018.
Roberts previously pleaded guilty to one count of receipt in interstate commerce of adulterated or misbranded drugs or devices and delivery for pay in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 331(c) on June 19, 2018.
This case was investigated by FDA-OCI and DEA and was prosecuted by Donna B. Maddux, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
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