Diabetic test strip counterfeiter pleads guilty

PHILADELPHIA — Jacques Duplessis on Monday pleaded guilty to engaging in a scheme to sell approximately 6,000 boxes of counterfeit LifeScan One Touch diabetic test strips that he purchased from suppliers in China and England, announced U.S. attorney Zane David Memeger.

Duplessis pleaded guilty to introducing into interstate commerce misbranded medical devices and entry of goods into the United States by means of false statements. Duplessis was the president and sole shareholder of both America's Premier Supplier Corp. and Royal Global Wholesale Corp., which were Florida-based corporations.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Oct. 16. Duplessis faces up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $350,000. The case was investigated by the  Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations and is being prosecuted by assistant U.S. attorney Nancy Rue.

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