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Collegeville, PA – Jonathan Nyce, 73, has been sentenced to 97 months in prison for orchestrating a fraudulent scheme targeting pet owners with fake cancer-curing drugs for dogs. Along with the prison term, Nyce received three years of supervised release and a $500 special assessment. This sentence comes after Nyce defrauded nearly 900 victims out of almost $1 million by marketing and selling unapproved and ineffective medications.
Nyce Exploitative Scheme:
Nyce exploited the desperation of pet owners by creating companies such as “Canine Care,” “ACGT,” and “CAGT.” He marketed drugs like “Tumexal” and “Naturason” through these companies, falsely claiming they were effective against various types of canine cancer. His websites advertised these drugs with misleading statements, such as “Tumexal is effective against a wide variety of cancers,” and “ in fact, Tumexal will almost always restore a cancer-stricken dog’s appetite, spirit and energy!”
Nyce FDA Violations:
Nyce’s actions blatantly violated the FDA’s Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as the drugs he marketed were not approved by the FDA. Despite this, he claimed that his research was “funded in part by the US Food and Drug Administration,” further deceiving pet owners. The drugs were merely a mix of bulk ingredients blended by Nyce himself at a facility in Collegeville.
Legal and Criminal Justice:
Jacqueline C. Romero, U.S. Attorney, emphasized the severity of Nyce’s actions, stating, “He deliberately exploited people’s emotions, their love for their ailing dogs, purely for his own financial gain.” Nyce’s fraudulent scheme involved extensive use of telephone and email conversations to extract large sums of money from pet owners, promising inclusion in fake clinical trials.
Investigation and Conviction:
The case was thoroughly investigated by the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigation with assistance from the Consumer Protection Branch of the Department of Justice. Special Agent George A. Scavdis remarked, “Ignoring the FDA’s requirements and selling unapproved drugs to vulnerable US consumers will not be tolerated.” Nyce was convicted of interstate shipment of misbranded animal drugs and wire fraud.
Historical Context:
This isn’t Nyce’s first run-in with the law. He previously served five years for the 2004 murder of his wife, Michelle Nyce, and was found guilty in 2005.
Protecting Pet Owners:
This case highlights the importance of ensuring pet medications are FDA-approved and underscores the need for pet owners to be vigilant against fraudulent claims. The FDA’s animal drug approval process is in place to protect both pets and their owners from unsafe and ineffective products.
This case underscores the critical importance of safeguarding our pets’ health and the lengths some will go to exploit our love for them. Jonathan Nyce’s actions were not only fraudulent but also heartless, preying on the emotional vulnerability of pet owners desperate to save their beloved companions. His sentence serves as a stark reminder that the justice system will act decisively against those who seek to profit through deception and harm.
As pet owners, it is essential to remain vigilant and discerning about the medications and treatments we choose for our animals. Always ensure that products are FDA-approved and consult with trusted veterinarians before administering any new treatments. The rigorous standards set by the FDA are designed to protect our pets, ensuring that the medications they receive are both safe and effective.
In conclusion, while justice has been served in this case, the broader lesson is one of caution and awareness. By staying informed and cautious, we can better protect our pets from those who might seek to take advantage of our love for them. Let Nyce’s conviction be a call to action for all pet owners to be proactive in verifying the safety and legitimacy of treatments and to always prioritize the well-being of our four-legged family members.