HARRISBURG – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has dropped a重磅 bombshell with the revelation that Dr. Donald Yorlets, a 66-year-old veterinarian from New Oxford, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty to defrauding the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Between 2016 and 2019, Yorlets is accused of submitting false blood samples for bovine disease testing and issuing fake Certificates of Veterinary Inspection, allowing hundreds of untested cows to be exported to countries like Mexico, Canada, Qatar, and Puerto Rico.
The scheme unraveled in 2017 when the Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory (PVL) flagged numerous non-authentic blood specimens submitted by Yorlets. The USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) confirmed that Yorlets had repeatedly used the same samples for different animals, bypassing necessary disease tests.
Under federal law, every cow transported in interstate or international commerce must be tested for diseases like Bovine Tuberculosis and Brucellosis. These tests are crucial not only for animal health but also for human safety, as these diseases can be transmitted to humans under certain circumstances.
The investigation revealed that Yorlets conspired with exporters to avoid testing requirements. He admitted to submitting hundreds of non-authentic blood samples to a PA Department of Agriculture lab in Harrisburg and issuing false certificates for untested animals. The result was a loss for the USDA of $38,005 in laboratory expenses.
Yorlets has agreed to make full restitution and faces up to five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. His sentencing has been postponed until the completion of a pre-sentence report. This case was investigated by the USDA’s Office of Inspector General and the Department of Homeland Security, with Assistant United States Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel prosecuting.
Related Federal Cases
- Loan and Passport Scam Lands Philly Woman Behind Bars · Puerto Rico
- Santos Alonzo Caged for Border Lie · Puerto Rico
- Pittsburgh Heroin Dealer Clinton Robinson Gets 8 Years · Puerto Rico
- “Gordo” Cirino Gets 11+ Years for Cocaine Pipeline · Puerto Rico
- New Haven Heroin Network Crumbles: 14 Face Federal Charges · Pennsylvania
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
