Some of the employees of a Framingham compounding pharmacy responsible for a national meningitis outbreak have been charged with murder. 64 people died and more than 700 became ill after receiving contaminated steroids. After a 2-year investigation, federal officials made arrests today, arriving at homes before sunrise.
US Attorney Carmen Ortiz called this the largest case of prescription drug contamination in US history.
According to Ortiz, “Production and profit were prioritized over safety.”
Ortiz alleged owners and employees of the New England Compounding Center skirted safety regulations and knowingly shipped tainted steroids around the country.
“This conduct included grossly insufficient and unsanitary production practices as well as fake prescriptions that were used to mislead regulators.”
Associate US Attorney General Stuart Delerey also investigated the case.
“The individuals who oversaw NECC’s operations and who supervised its drug manufacturing have been charged with 2nd degree murder under the Racketeer Influenced And Corrupt Organizations Act, or RICO.”
The 14 people charged include 3 members of the family that own the pharmacy. Gregory, Douglas and Carla Conigliaro of Southborough. They appeared in federal court and showed no emotion as a judge read the list of charges. And Michigan State Attorney General Bill Schuette was in Boston today because his state was among the most affected.
“My state was at the epicenter of this outbreak. 23 of our citizens died and hundreds yet still grapple with the aftermath of infections caused by poisoned medicine coming from the New England Compounding Center," said Schutte.
The most serious charges were filed against owner and head pharmacist Barry Caden and supervisory pharmacist Glen Chin. They’re accused of racketeering and second-degree murder in 7 states and could face life in prison.
