BY: STAFF REPORT | BocaNewsNow.com
BOYNTON BEACH, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2021 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — If you are going to commit a crime, it’s a good idea to not commit that crime in front of a Federal Agent. But that’s exactly what Jhanna Kovikov, 58, of Boynton Beach did. The woman agreed to provided Botox to an undercover officer with the Florida Department of Health.
This is the advisory from the United States Department Of Justice which announced Novikov’s sentencing:
“A Boynton Beach, Florida woman who illegally imported unapproved prescription drugs was sentenced today in federal district court in Ft. Pierce to six months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release.
In August 2018, Jhanna Novikov, 58, agreed to provide “Botox” treatments to an undercover investigator with the Florida Department of Health for $600. Agents of the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations then searched Novikov’s home, which included an area set up to look like a medical treatment office. Agents seized various drugs containing botulinum toxin, the active ingredient in Botox. However, those drugs had not been approved by FDA and were not properly labeled for shipment in the United States. Agents did not find any Botox or other FDA-approved drugs containing botulinum toxin in Novikov’s home. Forensic analysis of Novikov’s cell phone revealed that Novikov had imported the drugs from Mexico, in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and had been importing such drugs since 2016.
Novikov previously pled guilty to one count of importation of merchandise contrary to law. U.S. District Judge Aileen M. Cannon imposed today’s sentence, which also included a fine, a special assessment, and a $6,813.15 restitution order.
Juan Antonio Gonzalez, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Special Agent in Charge Justin Fielder, Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA-OCI), Miami Field Office, announced the sentence.
FDA-OCI Miami investigated the case, with assistance from Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc Osborne prosecuted this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gabrielle Charest-Turken is handling asset forfeiture.”
