A Cedar Hills man was sentenced to three years in prison by a district court judge on Monday, almost a year after he was arrested for misleading consumers about his medical credentials and products he claimed would cure various ailments, including COVID-19.

Gordon Hunter Pedersen pleaded guilty to mail fraud and the “introduction of misbranded drugs into interstate commerce with intent to defraud and mislead.”

According to a press release from the U.S. Justice Department, Pedersen claimed he was a practicing doctor and exaggerated the benefits of his products containing silver, claiming the products could remedy illnesses like diabetes or COVID-19.

The Justice Department estimated Pedersen’s company, My Doctor Suggests, brought in more than $6 million in revenue from his scheme. Pedersen had 25% ownership in the company and was the spokesman and marketer.

Charging documents showed that from January 2020 to the end of April 2020, the company experienced a 400% increase in profits, the Daily Herald previously reported.

“Mr. Pedersen defrauded consumers for years by lying about his credentials and the products he sold. His years of deliberate misrepresentations resulted in financial harm to consumers who trusted in his claims, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah in a press release. “Pedersen profited off citizens during a vulnerable time then fled from law enforcement for three years to avoid prosecution. My office remains committed to prosecuting financial fraud and seeking justice for victims.”

A warrant for Pedersen’s arrest was first issued in 2020, but he evaded arrest until federal officials located him in August 2023.

Pedersen used the postal service to ship his products, like silver probiotics and soap, leading to mail fraud charges. The case was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration’s criminal office along with the FBI and Homeland Security.

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