A three-year manhunt has come to an end with the arrest of a Utah resident who allegedly posed as a doctor and sold an unproven cure for the coronavirus. Gordon Hunter Pedersen, 63, was apprehended by federal agents in Utah County on July 5, 2023. Pedersen had been on the run since August 2020, when a warrant was issued for his arrest. He is facing charges of mail fraud, wire fraud, and introduction of misbranded drugs into interstate commerce with the intent to defraud. Court documents reveal that Pedersen claimed his product, a “structural alkaline silver,” could destroy the virus by vibrating at a certain frequency. He also falsely represented himself as a board-certified anti-aging medical doctor on YouTube. The Department of Justice is handling a civil case against Pedersen, and further investigation is being conducted by the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the FBI. Pedersen is scheduled to appear in court on August 15, 2023.
Three Year Manhunt for an Alleged Fake Doctor Selling an Unproven Coronavirus Cure Ends with Utah Fugitive Behind Bars
In a major breakthrough, a three-year manhunt for an alleged fake doctor selling an unproven coronavirus cure has come to an end with the capture of the fugitive in Utah. Gordon Hunter Pedersen, a resident of Cedar Hills, Utah, was arrested on federal charges after evading law enforcement since 2020. The arrest was made possible by the efforts of federal agents, who spotted Pedersen during a surveillance operation on July 5, 2023. Pedersen had been issued a warrant for his arrest on August 25, 2020, for failing to appear in federal court on an indictment. The charges against him include mail fraud, wire fraud, and felony introduction of misbranded drugs into interstate commerce with the intent to defraud and mislead.
According to court documents, Pedersen had been selling a product called “structural alkaline silver” on the internet, which he claimed could destroy the coronavirus by resonating or vibrating at a frequency that renders the virus unable to attach to healthy cells or cause infection. These claims were made at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, before approved vaccines were available. Pedersen’s alleged attempt to defraud the public extended to false claims about his credentials. He falsely presented himself as a board-certified “Anti-Aging Medical Doctor” in YouTube videos. Additionally, he claimed to hold a PhD in immunology and a PhD in Naturopathic Medicine.
The arrest of Gordon Hunter Pedersen marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to protect the public from fraudulent claims and unproven cures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Justice’s Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah, is handling a pending civil case related to Pedersen’s actions. This case is a joint investigation involving the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigation (FDA-OCI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Salt Lake City Field Office.
Pedersen is scheduled to make his initial appearance on the criminal indictment and appear at a detention hearing on August 15, 2023, at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in Salt Lake City. U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah announced the arrest and charges.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
False Claims Made by Pedersen
In addition to his alleged sales of an unproven coronavirus cure, Gordon Hunter Pedersen made several false claims about his qualifications and credentials. These claims were made to enhance his credibility and deceive potential customers.
Firstly, Pedersen falsely claimed to be a board-certified “Anti-Aging Medical Doctor.” This claim was made in YouTube videos where he marketed his products and presented himself as an expert in the field of anti-aging medicine. The false representation of his credentials aimed to establish trust and convince individuals to purchase his unproven cure.
Furthermore, Pedersen falsely claimed to hold a PhD in immunology and a PhD in Naturopathic Medicine. These claims were intended to lend authority and credibility to his products. By presenting himself as an immunology expert and a naturopathic medicine practitioner, Pedersen attempted to persuade individuals of the effectiveness and safety of his unproven coronavirus cure.
The misrepresentation of qualifications and credentials by individuals like Pedersen undermines public trust and poses a significant risk to public health. It is essential for consumers to exercise caution and verify the credentials and claims made by individuals promoting health products or cures, particularly during times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Contact Information and Disclaimer
For more information on the ongoing case against Gordon Hunter Pedersen, please contact:
- Felicia Martinez Public Affairs Specialist Email: Felicia.martinez@usdoj.gov Phone: (801) 325-3237
Please note that the content of this article is for informational purposes only. It is based on available public information and should not be considered as legal advice or an endorsement of any specific actions or products. The Department of Justice urges individuals to report any instances of fraud or attempted fraud involving COVID-19 by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline or submitting a complaint form on the NCDF website. Remember, individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Disclaimer: This article does not contain any links or URLs. It is purely informational and aims to provide an overview of the arrest and charges against Gordon Hunter Pedersen, as well as the false claims made by him.