Feds charge San Diego physician who allegedly offered COVID-19 'miracle cure' https://t.co/xHPwVn1G6j [Breaking] pic.twitter.com/Vt68CkYXdM
— San Diego Union-Tribune (@sdut) April 17, 2020
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Staley, a licensed physician and operator of Skinny Beach Med Spa, is accused of attempting to sell his unproven treatment to an undercover FBI agent. His "COVID-19 treatment packs" reportedly included the controversial antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine; azithromycin, used commonly to treat pink eye; and Xanax, used to manage anxiety.
Staley allegedly told the undercover agent his "preventive and curative" treatment was a "magic bullet" and that he has been smuggling hydroxychloroquine from China by concealing the medication in sweet potato extract, NBC San Diego reported. A "treatment pack" for a family of four cost slightly less than $4,000.
"We will not tolerate COVID-19 fraudsters who try to profit and take advantage of the pandemic fear to cheat, steal and harm others," U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer said in a news release announcing the charge against Staley, adding, "Rest assured: those who engage in this despicable conduct will find themselves in the crosshairs of federal prosecutors."
Staley’s arraignment is slated for this afternoon.
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