Overland Park man pleads guilty to misbranding imported erectile dysfunction drugs
An Overland Park man pleaded guilty Monday to importing and selling misbranded erectile dysfunction drugs by marketing them as “all natural,” federal prosecutors announced.
Rick Shepard, 60, was indicted in March on charges that he bought the products from China and marketed them as “all natural herbal supplements for male enhancement,” according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas.
Contrary to that marketing, prosecutors said, the products actually had some of the same prescription ingredients found in the drugs Viagra and Cialis.
The FDA found those drugs should only be used under the care of a licensed health care provider, according to the U.S. attorney’s office, due to risks of toxicity, drops in blood pressure and painful erections that could cause permanent injury.
Shepard would repackage capsules, apply his own labels and distribute the drugs under the name “Euphoric” to adult novelty stores in Kansas, Missouri and Colorado, according to the news release.
His sentencing is set for April 20. Shepard could face up to five years in prison a $250,000 in fines.