Ronald J. DeFranco, Peptide Trafficking, Pennsylvania 2014

An Illinois man has been brought to justice for his role in the illicit distribution of peptides and human growth hormone (HGH) online.

Ronald J. DeFranco, a 54-year-old resident of Illinois, pleaded guilty to three counts of mail fraud, distribution of human growth hormone, and money laundering in federal court.

The charges stem from DeFranco’s operation of a website that sold peptides, chemical compounds that require a prescription for dispensation, to individuals seeking muscle enhancement. DeFranco falsely represented on the website that the peptides were being sold for research purposes only, when in fact they were being sold for human consumption.

Additionally, DeFranco sold HGH without the required physician’s prescriptions, earning him a guilty plea on the distribution of HGH count.

Between May 2010 and January 2011, DeFranco paid $94,777.40 in Western Union and bank wire transfers to acquire the illicit substances from suppliers in China.

Following the guilty plea, Judge Donetta Ambrose scheduled sentencing for May 13, 2014, at 10 a.m.

Under the federal sentencing guidelines, DeFranco faces a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 on the mail fraud count, 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the HGH distribution count, and 20 years in prison and a fine of $500,000 on the money laundering count.

Pending sentencing, DeFranco’s bond was modified to include home detention with electronic monitoring.

Assistant United States Attorney Leo M. Dillon is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

The combined efforts of agents with the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, IRS – Criminal Investigation, and the DEA led to DeFranco’s prosecution.

Defendant: Ronald J. DeFranco

Criminal Charges: Mail Fraud, Distribution of Human Growth Hormone, Money Laundering

City and State: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Crime Date: Between May 2010 and January 2011

Sentence: Sentencing scheduled for May 13, 2014

Fine: Up to $1,000,000

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