QLaser Crooks Busted: SD Trio Scammed Sick for Profit

RAPID CITY, SD – Three individuals are facing federal charges after years of allegedly peddling a bogus medical device, the “QLaser,” to desperate and vulnerable consumers across the country. Robert “Larry” Lytle, 81, of Rapid City, South Dakota, Irina Kossovskaia, 62, of Canada, and Fredretta L. Eason, 76, of Rapid City, were arrested over the weekend following an indictment by a federal grand jury. The Justice Department alleges the trio falsely claimed the hand-held light-emitting devices could treat over 200 diseases, including cancer, cardiac arrest, and even ALS.

The scheme dates back to at least 2014, prompting a civil enforcement action against Lytle and his QLaser businesses. Despite a federal court order in 2015 halting distribution of the devices – a ruling based on findings that the QLaser’s claims were not only false and misleading but potentially dangerous – the defendants allegedly continued their fraudulent activity. This defiance of the court order forms the basis of criminal contempt charges against Lytle and Eason. The QLasers were sold individually or in packages ranging from approximately $4,000 to $13,000, preying on the hopes of the sick and elderly.

Prosecutors allege Lytle, Kossovskaia, and a fourth individual, Ronald D. Weir, 38, of Rapid City, conspired to market and distribute the QLasers. Weir has already agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy charges filed in a separate criminal information. The defendants allegedly promoted the QLaser as a cure-all, claiming it could address “almost every health problem ever experienced by a human being.” This was achieved through deceptive marketing materials that falsely presented Lytle as “Dr. Larry Lytle, D.D.S., Ph.D.” – a blatant attempt to establish false credibility. In reality, Lytle’s dental license was permanently revoked due to fraud, and his claimed Ph.D. is illegitimate.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service played a key role in the investigation, which uncovered evidence that the QLasers were shipped across state lines. Lytle and Kossovskaia are charged with mail fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy, contempt, and obstruction of government proceedings. Eason is charged solely with criminal contempt. Lytle also faces additional charges of obstructing the FDA, accused of providing false statements and documents during agency inspections of his QLaser business. The FDA has not approved the QLaser for any medical use, and no published clinical or scientific studies support the defendants’ claims.

“As the indictment alleges, these individuals targeted vulnerable citizens for years, preying on weaknesses brought about by chronic illnesses and fear of death—all to enrich themselves, and even where the scheme entailed violating a direct court order to stop,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad A. Readler of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. The case highlights the Justice Department’s commitment to prosecuting those who exploit the desperation of others for financial gain and disregard the authority of the courts.

The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the case progresses through the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as they become available, exposing the dark underbelly of schemes that profit from human suffering. Consumers who believe they may have been victimized by this scheme are encouraged to contact the FBI or the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.