Canadian Woman Sentenced to Probation for Making False Statements

BUFFALO, NY—U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Mary Anne Catalano, 33, of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, who was convicted of making a false statement to officers and agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, was sentenced to one year of probation by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul J. Campana, who handled the case, stated that Catalano attempted to enter the United States at the Peace Bridge in Buffalo, New York, on September 14, 2009. The defendant first told Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents that medical equipment and supplies she was carrying were intended for display at a certain medical conference. The defendant later admitted to ICE agents and the Food and Drug Administration that she intended to deliver the medical equipment and supplies to her boss, Dr. Anthony Galea, so that he could perform a medical procedure upon a professional athlete in Washington, D.C.

The government’s continuing investigation ultimately led to felony charges being lodged against Galea, 51. On July 6, 2011, Galea pleaded guilty before Judge Arcara to a felony charge of introducing misbranded and unapproved drugs in interstate commerce. Galea, who is not licensed to practice medicine in the United States, has a sentencing scheduled for October 19, 2011.

At today’s sentencing, Judge Arcara told Catalano she had made a “terrible decision,” for which she “paid a big price.” AUSA Campana told the court that Catalano’s cooperation against Galea was “immediate, substantial, and effective” and recommended a sentence of probation. Judge Arcara noted the defendant’s extensive cooperation and stated that although sentencing usually is one of the most difficult tasks he must perform as a judge, the court’s decision to impose a sentence of probation rather than incarceration upon Ms. Catalano was “not difficult.”

“This case is an example of how the United States government protects its borders against threats to the safety of its citizens—in this case, the threat that could arise from the use of misbranded and unapproved drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul. “Also, one cannot attempt to practice medicine in this country without holding a valid medical license issued by the proper authorities.”

“Today’s sentencing lends credence to the value of strong partnerships among federal law enforcement agencies,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher M. Piehota. “Unfortunately, Ms. Catalano has realized the consequences of lying to federal law enforcement. Today’s sentencing should put individuals on notice that federal agents seriously examine the veracity of what is told to them during the course of their investigations.”

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by special agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Lev Kubiak; the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, New York Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Mark Dragonetti; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher M. Piehota.