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Press Release

Peptides Distributor Sentenced To Probation, Community Service

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Palatine, Illinois, has been sentenced in federal court to three years probation and 100 hours of community service on his conviction of mail fraud, misbranding of drugs and money laundering, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose imposed the sentence on Adam F. Higdon, 41.

According to information presented to the court, Higdon maintained two websites for the illegal distribution of peptides - chemical compounds which require a prescription for dispensation, but which are illegitimately sought by body-builders for muscle enhancement. Higdon deceived the Internet service provider and the FDA by falsely representing on the websites that he was selling these substances "for research use only . . . not for human consumption." During the period from January 2010 until January 2011, Higdon allegedly paid $131,472.50 to acquire the substances from suppliers in the Peoples Republic of China; and he thereafter sold the peptides for $397,662.00.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Ambrose stated that she believed Mr. Higdon was sincere in his remorse and would not endanger the public in the future.

Assistant United States Attorney Leo M. Dillon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, IRS - Criminal Investigation and the DEA for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Higdon.

Updated July 14, 2015