ICYMI: Texas Woman Caught in $4 Million Pet Drug Scam—She Preyed on Cat Owners!
A Texas woman tricked cat owners into buying unapproved veterinary drugs, and now she’s losing millions after getting caught by the feds. 🌐 #News #CedarParkTX #Texas #Crime
CEDAR PARK, TX – A Texas woman has been sentenced to probation and forced to surrender millions after authorities uncovered a massive scheme involving the illegal sale of unapproved veterinary drugs. Over two years, she smuggled shipments disguised as everyday household products, deceived pet owners through social media, and raked in millions from desperate cat owners seeking treatment for their sick pets. Now, she’s paying the price.
Smuggling and Deception
Nicole Randall, 37, of Cedar Park, Texas, pleaded guilty to introducing an adulterated drug into interstate commerce. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon announced Monday that she will serve one year of probation and forfeit $4 million in property and proceeds tied to her operation.
Court documents reveal that between February 2020 and May 2022, Randall illegally imported GS-441524, a drug unapproved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for human or animal use.
To evade detection, she disguised shipments as facial masks, pet shampoo, beauty products, and cosmetics.
Despite lacking veterinary or prescribing credentials, Randall infiltrated the Facebook group “FIP Warriors 5.0,” where she misled cat owners by diagnosing their pets with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and recommending GS-441524 as treatment.
Undercover Sting Exposes Operation
Federal agents began investigating in August 2021 when one operative joined the Facebook group and submitted a photo of a healthy cat. Randall falsely diagnosed the cat with FIP and directed the agent to purchase GS-441524.
Payments were funneled through platforms like PayPal, Zelle, and CashApp, with strict instructions to avoid referencing medication or anything that could raise suspicion.
In July 2022, law enforcement raided Randall’s Texas residence, uncovering 30 boxes filled with vials of the illegal drug. Investigators determined she had distributed 58,460 liquid vials and 236,836 pills in what they described as a “highly profitable” operation.
A Pricey Penalty
Randall’s plea deal comes with significant consequences. She has agreed to forfeit four properties, 10 financial accounts, and a Tesla—assets collectively worth about $4 million.
While she avoids prison time, the financial blow marks a steep downfall for a woman who built an empire on deception and illegal drugs.
RELATED TOPICS: Crime | Oregon | Texas
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