Paul S. Rodriguez Jr., a 48-year-old California resident and former CEO of Action Packing and Design Inc. in Santa Ana, has entered a guilty plea to trafficking in counterfeit labels and packaging, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.

Between July 2015 and December 2016, Rodriguez intentionally trafficked in counterfeit labels and packaging by manufacturing, and then shipping to Houston, Texas, counterfeit and trademarked Frontline, Frontline Plus and Merial veterinary product labels and packaging. The labels and packaging were originally marketed by Merial – an animal health company located in Duluth, Georgia. During this same period, Rodriguez also intentionally trafficked in counterfeit trademarked Rimadyl labels, a veterinary product that Zoetis marketed. Zoetis is a health company located in Florham Park, New Jersey.

Sentencing is currently set for Oct. 2, 2017, before U.S. District Judge Nancy F. Atlas, at which time Rodriguez faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $2 million fine. He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.

The Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U. S. Attorney Daniel C. Rodriguez is prosecuting the case.