Two more people pleaded guilty in the last week in a prescription scheme that costs millions.
A Middle Township Middle School teacher and a retailer for a local candy company bring the number of pleas in the far-reaching conspiracy to 15.
Shawn Sypherd, a 46-year-old social studies teacher, is the third public worker to admit to a role in the plan that had doctors writing prescriptions for expensive and unnecessary compounded medications to profit the group.
He received about $354,264.06 for his role. He must forfeit that money and pay restitution of more than $2.4 million.
The Marmora man was a recruiter in the conspiracy, persuading individuals to get these compounds from an out-of-state pharmacy that has been identified in court papers only as the “Compounding Pharmacy.”
Nicholas Tedesco, 44, of Linwood, pleaded guilty Tuesday to his part in the scheme that was led by his brother, Matthew, who previously pleaded guilty.
As part of his plea, Nicholas Tedesco must forfeit $782,766.56 in criminal proceeds and pay restitution of at least $2 million.
The men both face a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.
Their sentencings are set for June.
