Missouri State Representative Dr. Tricia Derges, who represents Nixa in the State House, has been found guilty by a jury in a federal indictment.
Derges was found guilty on all 23 charges she faced in the trial, which included:
- 11 counts of Wire Fraud
- 10 counts of Distribution by Means of the Internet without a Valid Prescription
- 2 counts of False Statements
All 23 charges are classified as a felony.
The jury in the case handed down the verdict Tuesday afternoon, about 2 p.m.
The indictment accused Derges of receiving nearly $300,000 in COVID-19 aid in a fraudulent manner. Derges was also found guilty of using fake stem cell treatments on clients.
Court records indicate Derges profited about $200,000 giving amniotic fluid instead of the stem cells she was selling to her patients.
The jury in the case will also force Derges to pay back the near $300,000 she received in COVID-19 assistance.
No information about a sentencing date has been confirmed. Representative Derges has been barred by her party from running for re-election, but no statements have been made about possible impeachment or expulsion from the Missouri Congress.