Florida Research Facility Owners Plead in Clinical Trial Fraud Case

           On March 10, 2025, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that two owners of a Florida-based clinical research facility pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with asthma drug trials.

           According to the DOJ, Angela Baquero, 49, and Ricardo Acuna, 52, operated A&R Research Group (A&R) in Pembroke Pines, Florida, where they conducted clinical trials on behalf of pharmaceutical sponsors seeking FDA approval for new drugs. Prosecutors allege that Baquero and Acuna submitted inaccurate and fabricated data regarding subject eligibility, spirometry readings, and case histories. The government claims that this resulted in fraudulent payments from the trial’s sponsor.

           Additionally, Dr. Matthew Teltser, 70, who served as a clinical investigator for A&R, also pleaded guilty to making false statements to an FDA investigator. The government alleges that during an FDA inspection, Teltser misrepresented his presence at subject visits in the two asthma drug trials.

           Baquero and Acuna’s cases are scheduled for further proceedings before U.S. District Judge David S. Leibowitz on Sept. 19. Teltser is set for sentencing before U.S. District Judge Raag Singhal on June 10. Each defendant faces a maximum of five years in prison.

           The case reflects ongoing federal enforcement efforts targeting clinical trial fraud, an area where regulators continue to increase scrutiny. Given the complexity of clinical research compliance, companies and professionals working in this space must remain vigilant.

           The attorneys at Chilivis Grubman represent clients of all types and sizes in connection with white-collar crime matters and government investigations. If you need assistance with such a matter, please contact us today.