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In a significant crackdown, US law enforcement has arrested Ruthia He, the CEO of Done Global, a prominent telehealth company headquartered in San Francisco. He, along with David Brody, the company's clinical president, faces charges in connection with an alleged scheme to unlawfully distribute over 40 million pills of Adderall and other controlled substances, totaling an estimated $100 million. This operation allegedly took advantage of relaxed telemedicine regulations during the Covid-19 pandemic, exploiting the surge in online healthcare services.

Attorney General Merrick Garland announced that He and Brody are accused of conspiring to exploit loosened telemedicine rules, which allowed them to provide illicit access to Adderall and stimulants without legitimate medical purposes. Done Global gained significant traction during the pandemic as a convenient online platform for obtaining Adderall through a monthly subscription model. The alleged scheme involved manipulating subscription fees to increase the company's valuation and enrich themselves unlawfully.

He was apprehended in Los Angeles, while Brody was arrested in San Rafael, California. Both face charges of distributing controlled substances, which carry potential sentences of up to 20 years in prison upon conviction.

Adderall, a Schedule II medication used to manage ADHD symptoms, has faced shortages across the country, exacerbating concerns over its controlled distribution and misuse. Nicole Argentieri, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, accused He and Brody of aggressively marketing their services through deceptive social media campaigns, targeting vulnerable populations seeking medical help online.

The case marks a significant milestone for the Justice Department, being its first criminal prosecution of drug distribution linked to telemedicine and digital health platforms. Allegations include the deliberate withholding of crucial medical information from prescribers, instructing them to issue prescriptions to individuals who did not meet medical criteria, and limiting patient screenings to expedite the process.

Authorities claim He and Brody continued their operations despite knowing about online guides detailing how to exploit Done for easy Adderall access, as well as reports of overdoses and deaths among users. They are also accused of defrauding government healthcare assistance programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, as well as pharmacies, of at least $14 million through fraudulent billing practices.

In addition to the drug distribution charges, He and Brody allegedly conspired to obstruct justice by deleting electronic communications and documents relevant to their illegal activities, underscoring concerns over cybersecurity and data integrity in digital healthcare services.

The investigation highlights growing concerns over the abuse of telemedicine platforms during the pandemic and underscores efforts by law enforcement to combat such fraudulent practices that endanger public health, undermine regulatory safeguards, and exploit vulnerable populations seeking legitimate medical care online.