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Missouri state lawmaker charged with selling fake stem cell treatments and claiming they are a cure for Covid-19
A newly elected Missouri state representative and assistant physician faces charges for allegedly running a fraud scheme in her three clinics and providing prescription drugs illegally, according to federal prosecutors.
Prosecutors in the Western District of Missouri claim that Patricia “Tricia” Ashton Derges, who operates three “Ozark Valley Medical Clinic” locations, sold what she falsely advertised as a stem cell treatment. Court documents cite one instance on April 11, 2020, when Derges wrote a Facebook post about her clinic’s treatment as an “amazing treatment (that) stands to provide a potential cure for Covid-19 patients that is safe and natural.”
State Rep. Tricia Derges, who runs multiple health clinics for low-income patients in the Ozarks area, has been indicted by a grand jury on charges of felony wire fraud, illegal distribution of controlled substances and making false statements, federal prosecutors revealed this week.
Derges, R-Nixa, pleaded not guilty in her initial appearance Monday afternoon and was released without bond. Her case is set for jury trial March 22, though that could be delayed. Documents show she is being represented by Springfield-based attorney Stacie Bilyeu.
In a news conference after the plea was entered, Tim Garrison, the U.S. Attorney for Missouri’s Western District, laid out the case against her.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) A Missouri state lawmaker indicted on federal fraud charges for falsely promoting a treatment as having stem cells to help with COVID-19 and other illnesses has been asked to resign.
House Speaker Rob Vescovo on Wednesday said fellow Republican Rep. Tricia Derges should step down after a federal grand jury indicted the Nixa legislator on fraud charges. He removed her from all her committee assignments Monday, when the indictment against her was unsealed.
Derges allegedly falsely promoted a treatment she was selling at medical clinics as containing stem cells that could treat various diseases, including COVID-19.
The 20-count indictment also accuses the 63-year-old of illegally providing prescription drugs to clients and making false statements to federal agents investigating the case.
Missouri lawmaker asked to resign after allegedly selling fake stem cell COVID treatments
February 4, 2021 / 8:06 AM / AP
A Missouri state lawmaker indicted on federal fraud charges for falsely promoting a treatment as having stem cells to help with COVID-19 and other illnesses has been asked to resign. House Speaker Rob Vescovo on Wednesday said fellow Republican Rep. Tricia Derges should step down after a federal grand jury indicted the Nixa legislator on fraud charges. He removed her from all her committee assignments Monday, when the indictment against her was unsealed.
Derges allegedly falsely promoted a treatment she was selling at medical clinics as containing stem cells that could treat various diseases, including COVID-19.