Philadelphia, PA – A Pennsylvania couple has been sentenced to federal prison for running a sophisticated online scheme selling counterfeit and illegal pesticides, animal drugs, and pirated DVDs. David and Judy Haisten operated “Luv My Pets Supply Store LLC” (LMP) out of their South Carolina home, defrauding consumers and violating multiple federal laws over nearly a decade.
The pair were convicted in October 2017 on 14 of 15 counts, including conspiracy, violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), and trafficking in counterfeit goods. Evidence presented at trial revealed that beginning in January 2009, the Haistens offered significantly discounted pet medications and pesticides – like Frontline and K9 Advantix – that had not been approved for sale within the United States. The operation quickly expanded to include the sale of counterfeit DVDs sourced from China.
Despite receiving numerous warnings and cease-and-desist orders from both state and private entities, the Haistens continued their illicit business. The South Carolina Board of Pharmacy issued a cease and desist order to David Haisten in March 2011. Major animal health companies, including Merial and Sergeant’s Pet Products, also sent similar warnings. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) repeatedly intercepted shipments of counterfeit DVDs addressed to the couple, notifying them of the illegal nature of the goods. Undeterred, the Haistens circumvented online platform suspensions – including those from eBay – by enlisting family and friends to create new seller accounts, sometimes offering payment for their identifying information, and in other instances, using the identities of deceased individuals without consent.
Federal agents conducted controlled purchases in the summer of 2012, receiving unregistered pesticides and misbranded animal drugs shipped directly from the Haistens’ residence to investigators in Philadelphia. A subsequent search warrant executed in February 2013 yielded a significant cache of counterfeit DVDs, illegal pesticides, and misbranded animal drugs. The investigation demonstrated a calculated effort to disregard regulations and prioritize profit over public safety and consumer protection.
Penalties & Legal Violations
David Haisten received a 78-month prison sentence, followed by three years of supervised release, and a $50,000 fine. Judy Haisten was sentenced to 60 months of incarceration, also with three years of supervised release and a $50,000 fine. The couple’s crimes violated several federal statutes, including: 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(4) (FIFRA violations related to unregistered pesticides), 7 U.S.C. 136j(a)(1)(A) & (E) (misbranding of animal drugs), 18 U.S.C. 2320(a) (trafficking in counterfeit goods), and 21 U.S.C. 331(a) (additional federal criminal code violations).
Key Facts
- Defendant: David and Judy Haisten
- Business: “Luv My Pets Supply Store LLC” (LMP)
- Location: Irmo, South Carolina (operated online, shipped to multiple states including PA)
- Dates of Operation: January 2009 – February 2013 (search warrant execution)
- Illicit Goods: Unregistered pesticides, misbranded animal drugs, counterfeit DVDs
- Penalties: David Haisten – 78 months imprisonment, $50K fine. Judy Haisten – 60 months imprisonment, $50K fine.
- Violated Laws: FIFRA, misbranding of animal drugs, trafficking in counterfeit goods, and other federal criminal statutes.
The case highlights the growing threat of online fraud and the importance of vigilance when purchasing animal health products. Authorities urge consumers to verify the legitimacy of online retailers and ensure products are approved for use before making a purchase.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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