What looked like a quick fix for shedding a few pounds turned into a federal criminal case, positive drug tests and lost jobs for customers across Montana.
On Tuesday, a New York woman admitted in federal court that she sold counterfeit diet pills that investigators say were laced with methamphetamine to buyers in Montana. Prosecutors say the scheme left multiple customers with positive workplace drug tests, job losses and costly legal fights. The plea marks a rare federal prosecution of so-called diet supplements that turned out to be illegal street drugs.
According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Montana, the defendant, Carrie Ann Taylor, 50, pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud. She faces up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided over the hearing, and U.S. District Judge William W. Mercer will determine Taylor’s sentence at a later date. Taylor was released with conditions while the case moves toward sentencing.
Investigation and testing
Federal agents say the investigation started with an online tip from a buyer who reported a positive workplace drug test after taking pills labeled “Skald.” From there, the probe widened as the FBI solicited reports from purchasers of “Skald” and similar diet supplements and carried out undercover buys. The bureau also set up an online tip form for affected buyers on the FBI website.
Victims and scale
Prosecutors say Taylor sold about 1,517 bottles of counterfeit diet pills and made roughly $56,454 from the scheme. According to the U.S. Attorney’s release, several customers reported serious fallout. One service member tested positive during a random urinalysis and spent money on legal defense, and another person said they were fired after a workplace drug test.
Legal next steps
Taylor entered her guilty plea to mail fraud in Billings. Federal prosecutors are handling the case, and the FBI led the evidence collection. Sentencing will be scheduled later before Judge Mercer, and Taylor remains under release conditions while the court prepares to determine her punishment.
Where to report suspicious pills
If you purchased “Skald,” “PhenQ,” “PhenGold” or other suspect diet supplements from online marketplaces, investigators say you should preserve the bottle and any receipts and file a report. The FBI’s tip form for the Skald and PhenQ investigation is available through the FBI.
Local reporting
Local outlets have carried the federal statement and highlighted Montana residents affected by the sales. For more local detail, see coverage by NonStop Local (KULR8).
