Grimy Times has learned that Joel Lerner, a 62-year-old podiatrist from Warren, New Jersey, has pleaded guilty to unlawfully selling prescription cancer medication. Lerner used his medical license to purchase the medication, which was then sold for profit.
According to documents filed in this case, Lerner worked with an individual who owned a pharmacy and wholesale distributors of prescription drugs. In return for commissions and discounts, Lerner used his medical license to purchase expensive prescription drugs, primarily cold-chain biologic infusion medications used to treat cancers, macular degeneration, and autoimmune diseases.
The scheme, which ran from December 2014 through November 2018, resulted in the purchase of over $1.2 million in prescription drugs. Lerner made false and misleading representations to pharmaceutical manufacturers and authorized distributors, stating that the medication would not be resold or redistributed.
Lerner’s scheme was uncovered by special agents from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. He has agreed to make restitution for the full amount of any loss resulting from his offense.
Lerner faces a maximum of three years in prison and a $10,000 fine for his crimes. Sentencing is scheduled for July 18, 2023.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office credited the special agents with the investigation leading to Lerner’s guilty plea.
Lerner’s plea agreement also includes a provision for restitution for the full amount of any loss resulting from his offense.
Mandatory Facts:
Defendant: Joel Lerner
Crime: Unlawfully selling prescription cancer medication
City and State: Newark, New Jersey
Date: July 18, 2023 (sentencing)
Sentence: Up to 3 years in prison and a $10,000 fine
Dollar Amount: $1.2 million in prescription drugs purchased
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- Joel Antonio Cortez, Racketeering Conspiracy, NJ 2024 · Maryland
- Ricardo Reid, Mail and Wire Fraud Conspiracy, New Jersey 2024 · Virginia
- Javan Smith, Interstate Transportation of Stolen Property, New Jersey · Connecticut
- Anthony Warner, Currency Smuggling, New Jersey 2016 · New York
Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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