Missouri Man Charged With Counterfeit Viagra And Cialis Trafficking

HOUSTON - Timothy Ross Estabrook, 52, has been charged with trafficking in counterfeit Viagra® and Cialis®, introducing and delivering misbranded drugs into interstate commerce, smuggling and conspiracy, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today.

The indictment, returned under seal Feb. 13, 2013, in Houston, was unsealed yesterday after he made an initial appearance in Kansas City, Mo. He has been released on bond and is scheduled to appear in Houston to answer the charges on March 14, 2013. Estabrook was arrested at his home in Lake Waukomis, Mo., on Monday Feb. 25, 2013.

Estabrook allegedly smuggled counterfeit Viagra® and counterfeit Cialis® into the United States from China. The indictment alleges he shipped them from Missouri to Texas in partnership with a co-conspirator in China. Estabrook also allegedly conspired to purchase Tadalafil and Sildenafil, the active ingredients in Viagra® and Cialis®, from a co-conspirator in China.

If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison and a maximum $2 million fine for trafficking in counterfeit goods and up to 20 years and a $250,000 fine for smuggling. If convicted of conspiracy charge, he further faces a sentence of up to five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine and up to three years and a $10,000 fine for introducing misbranded drugs into interstate commerce.

The investigation into Estabrook was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Food and Drug Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Julie Redlinger is prosecuting the case.