Long Island Man Stole Thousands In Horse Drugs From Manufacturer

BETHPAGE, NY — The supervisor of a Long Island drug manifacturer was sentenced to a year in jail today for stealing about $750,000 worth of medical products from the company he worked for.

Gregory Settino, 60, of Bethpage, was sentenced to a year and a day in jail, and also has to pay restitution of $847,093.

“Today’s sentence is the finish line of Gregory Settino’s criminal conduct. He stole thousands of bottles of drugs, ignored safe handling practices, and allowed them to be given to horses at New York racetracks without regard for the health of the animals – only focusing on his own personal gain,” said United States Attorney Breon Peace. “Those who jeopardize drug safety and risk the health of others will be held accountable and face serious consequences.”

Settino was the production supervisor of American Regent (formerly Luitpold Pharmaceuticals, Inc.), a drug manufacturer based in Shirley. According to Peace, Settino stole Adequan, an injectable drugs for horses that treats degenerative drug disease. From 2012 to 2020, Settino stole thousands of bottles of the drug, and then sold them to trainers and veterinarians at New York race tracks for hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Over the years, Settino stole $750,000 worth of Adequan.

Officials said that Settino's conduct endangered horses, because the drugs he sold were not maintained, stored or transported safely. At times, he transported the Adequan in shoeboxes in his car.

“The FDA ensures that veterinary drugs are safe and effective so that animals remain healthy. Drugs that are taken out of the legitimate supply chain pose a risk to the animals that take them,” said FDA Acting Special Agent in Charge Ronne Malham. “We will continue to investigate and bring to justice those who endanger the health of animals.”