NJ Woman Stole Meds From Veterans Affairs Pharmacy In East Orange

EAST ORANGE, NJ — A former pharmacy procurement technician admitted that she helped to steal nearly $10 million worth of prescription HIV medications from the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in East Orange, federal prosecutors announced Wednesday.

Lisa M. Hoffman, 49, of Orange, pleaded guilty in Newark federal court to theft of government property.

Prosecutors released the following statement about the case:

“From October 2015 through November 2019, Hoffman was a procurement officer at the VAMC, who used her authority to order medication for the outpatient pharmacy, including ordering large quantities of HIV medication. Hoffman admitted that she stole HIV prescription medications from the VAMC pharmacy and sold it to her conspirator, Wagner Checonolasco, 34, of Lyndhurst, in exchange for cash. Checonolasco previously admitted to conspiring with Hoffman to steal HIV medication belonging to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Hoffman and Checonolasco stole approximately $10 million worth of HIV medications belonging to the VAMC during the scheme.”

Prosecutors said the theft of government property charge is punishable by a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest.

Sentencing is scheduled for March 9, 2022.

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