A New Jersey man pleaded guilty to being involved in stealing more than $8.2 million worth of prescription HIV medication from East Orange (N.J.) VA Medical Center, the Department of Justice said Aug. 10.
Wagner Checonolasco admitted to conspiring with a procurement official at the medical center, who allegedly stole the medication from the hospital's pharmacy and sold it to Mr. Checonolasco for cash, according to court documents and statements. The scheme allegedly took place from August 2017 to November 2019.
The procurement official, Lisa Hoffman, allegedly over-ordered the HIV medication so she could steal it and sell it to Mr. Checonolasco, according to documents and statements shared in court. Federal prosecutors have accused Ms. Hoffman of conspiracy and theft, but charges against her are pending.
Mr. Checonolasco faces up to five years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 15.