Missouri lawmaker Tricia Derges (R) found guilty of wire fraud, illegal prescriptions, lying to feds

Tricia Derges, a state lawmaker and founder of several medical clinics throughout southwest Missouri, was found guilty on Monday on all charges brought against her by federal prosecutors.

A jury convicted Derges on 22 counts, including wire fraud, illegal distribution of controlled substances and making false statements to investigators. They also voted to allow law enforcement to take back nearly $300,000 in federal pandemic aid money that Derges received from Greene County.

The ruling marks the end of a criminal trial in Springfield that lasted two weeks and a federal investigation dating back to the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This is an elected official who stole money from the public, a purported humanitarian who cheated and lied to her patients, and a medical professional who illegally distributed drugs," said U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore in a statement.

"She violated her position of trust to selfishly enrich herself at the expense of others. But a jury of her peers, in a unanimous verdict, saw through her smokescreen of excuses and ridiculous claims, and now she will be held accountable for her criminal behavior."

More at:

https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/politics/2022/06/28/missouri-lawmaker-tricia-derges-found-guilty/7744265001/