Adam F. Higdon, Illegally Distributing Peptides, Pennsylvania 2013

Pittsburgh Man Charged with Illegally Distributing Peptides

PITTSBURGH - Adam F. Higdon, 40, a resident of Palatine, Illinois, has been charged with illegally distributing peptides, a chemical compound that requires a prescription for dispensation.

According to the indictment, Higdon maintained two websites for the sale of peptides, which he falsely represented as being for 'research use only ... not for human consumption.' During the period from January 2010 until January 2011, Higdon allegedly paid $131,472.50 to acquire the substances from suppliers in the People's Republic of China and sold them for $397,662.00.

The indictment charges Higdon with mail fraud, misbranding of drugs, and money laundering. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 on the mail fraud count; three years in prison and a fine of $250,000 on the misbranding count; and 20 years in prison and a fine of $500,000 on the money laundering count.

Assistant United States Attorney Leo M. Dillon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The prosecution arose from the combined efforts of agents with the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, IRS - Criminal Investigation, and the DEA.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Higdon's indictment was issued on March 26, 2013. The case is ongoing, with no current sentence or outcome.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/illinois-man-charged-illegally-distributing-peptides