In March and April 2020, when most people were hoarding toilet paper, New York City pharmacist Richard Schirripa was hoarding N95 masks. Schirripa, referred to by law enforcement as "mask man," began by investing over $200,000 in N95 masks in the first weeks of the pandemic. He then proceeded to sell the masks at a considerable markup.

While Schirripa is being charged in federal court for price gouging, amongst other charges related to the scheme, the court isn't the only place he will need to defend himself. Schirripa could very well be facing a battle on both fronts: court and before the New York State Board of Pharmacy. Even if he is not found guilty in court, he could be subject to an investigation by the Board of Pharmacy and face consequences such as suspension or revocation of his New York Pharmacy License.

If you're a licensed professional accused of any misconduct that could get you in trouble with your licensing board, you need the assistance of the Lento Law Firm. Protecting your license should be your top priority. Even if you're facing criminal charges, you cannot neglect the inevitable case you will face in front of your professional board. Let the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team fight for your license today. Call 888-535-3686 or contact us online.

What the Pharmacist Did Wrong

According to the charges against him, Schirripa charged up to $25 per N95 mask when the retail value was about $1.27 (according to the mask's manufacturer, 3M). Among Schirripa's customers were crucial medical professionals and essential workers, including doctors and funeral homes in eight different states.

In the early months of 2020, Schirripa admitted he was aware that it was illegal under federal law, the Defense Production Act, to hoard and price gouge masks, but he was found making several sales after that time. Law enforcement deployed an undercover officer to make a covert sale from Schirripa. During a phone conversation with the undercover officer, Schirripa stated, “We're in a time of emergency and shortage,” but “when you have something no one else has, it's not a high price.”

Professionals Under Investigation for COVID-19 Crimes

Numerous government agencies at both the state and federal levels have been on a manhunt for those involved in COVID-19 crimes. Schirripa's charges were the result of investigations coordinated and aided by numerous government agencies, including the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), New York's Dark Web and Cryptocurrency Task Force, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (UPIS), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Everything from price gouging to Paycheck Protection Plan loans and healthcare fraud is on their radar. When those who get caught in agency crosshairs are licensed professionals, those people have a whole other problem.

Retain the Lento Law Firm Today

If your professional license is being threatened, you need the Lento Law Firm in your corner. Our Professional License Defense Team understands that mistakes and miscommunications happen, but you've worked too hard for your license not to put up a fight. Get started with the Lento Law Firm today; call 888-535-3686 or contact us online.