David M. DeVillers, Price-Gouging, Ohio 2020

Local hospitals and medical professionals are being warned of a growing threat to the fight against COVID-19: price-gouging and hoarding of essential medical items. Ohio U.S. Attorney David M. DeVillers is urging executives at medical institutions to come forward with information about individuals and companies that may be engaging in these malicious practices.

DeVillers made the appeal in a letter to hospital executives, stating that his office is prioritizing the investigation and prosecution of wrongdoing related to the coronavirus, including those involved in hoarding and/or price-gouging of critical medical supplies. The U.S. Attorney emphasized that these practices not only undermine the moral response to the pandemic but also hinder hospitals and healthcare professionals from effectively implementing measures to save lives and mitigate the spread of the virus.

The letter was prompted by Executive Order dated March 23, 2020, in which President Trump delegated to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) the authority to designate materials critical to the fight against COVID-19 as “scarce” pursuant to the Defense Production Act of 1950. On March 25, 2020, the HHS Secretary designated 15 categories of health and medical supplies as “scarce,” including N-95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators, Elastomeric air-purifying respirators, and Portable Ventilators.

In the letter, DeVillers asked hospital executives for assistance in identifying individuals and companies that may have acquired vital medical supplies in excess of what they would reasonably use, or for the purpose of charging exorbitant prices. He also established a federal COVID-19 Task Force, led by Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSA) Peter Glenn-Applegate and Brenda Shoemaker, to investigate and prosecute these crimes.

DeVillers expressed gratitude for the vital work of medical institutions and their commitment to the people of Ohio. He emphasized that with the help of institutions like theirs, the government is using every available measure to ensure that these scarce materials are available to treat those affected by the coronavirus.

The U.S. Attorney is urging anyone with information related to price-gouging and/or hoarding to contact AUSA Shoemaker at 614-255-1588. For information related to coronavirus fraud, contact AUSA Glenn-Applegate at 614-255-1604.