Natalie K. Wight, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon
A Columbia County woman has been sentenced to federal prison for her involvement in a wire fraud conspiracy and the illegal dispensing of animal drugs. Samantha Miller, aged 55, received a sentence of 37 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. The amount she will need to pay in restitution to her victims will be determined at a later date.
"Today’s sentence should make it clear to others engaged in unconscionable conduct that it will not be tolerated and they will be held responsible for their crimes," stated Hannah Horsley, Chief of the Economic Crimes Unit for the District of Oregon.
Special Agent in Charge Robert Iwanicki from the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations emphasized the importance of lawful practices regarding animal drugs: "The FDA regulates animal drugs as part of its mission to protect public health, which includes ensuring that prescription animal drugs are lawfully obtained, distributed, and dispensed. We will continue to pursue and bring to justice those who criminally attempt to evade the law."
Court documents reveal that between November 2019 and January 2021, Miller conspired with others through their business Woofin Palooza, LLC. They obtained animals with health and behavioral issues from out-of-state shelters without cost, offering them for adoption in Oregon. The necessary veterinary care was not provided; instead, Miller either ignored the animals' medical needs or attempted treatment herself by administering prescription drugs without veterinary supervision.
Miller used an alias, "Mandy Myers," to conceal her identity while advertising on Woofin Palooza and Petfinder websites. She provided misleading information about the animals' conditions. Victims adopted pets under false pretenses regarding their health and behavior issues. Some victims received repackaged prescription drugs labeled misleadingly without a veterinarian's order.
On February 7, 2024, a federal grand jury charged Miller with multiple counts related to wire fraud and drug misbranding. On October 24, 2024, she pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and misbranding drugs by dispensing them unlawfully.
The investigation was conducted by the Food and Drug Administration with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert S. Trisotto and Meredith D.M. Bateman for the District of Oregon.
