Bergen Man Stole Millions In HIV Meds From Veterans Affairs

NEWARK, NJ — A Bergen County man admitted his involvement in a multi-year scheme which stole more than $8.2 million in HIV medication from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced.

Wagner "Wanny" Checonolasco, 34, of Lyndhurst, is charged with conspiring to steal government property, and could face up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000 following his guilty plea on Tuesday.

According to the attorney's office, Checonolasco conspired with others to steal the medication beginning in August 2017 through Nov. 20, 2019.

Lisa Hoffman, who was previously charged with three crimes related to the scheme, is alleged to have stolen medication from the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in East Orange, New Jersey, where she was employed.

Hoffman then sold the medication to Checonolasco for cash, authorities said, who in turn would resell the medication for profit.

Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig said Hoffman and Checonolasco's system resulted in the theft of more than $8.2 million dollars which belonged to the VAMC.

Checonolasco has a sentencing date set for Dec. 15, 2021.

Hoffman faces charges of conspiracy, theft of government property, and theft of medical products, which are currently pending.

A news release states that others were involved in the scheme, but they were not named.

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