Announced Actions for February 7, 2003

The Commission has approved the stipulated dismissal of a defendant in the matter currently pending against Electronic Products Distribution, LLC (EPD). The original complaint, filed along with two others against additional defendants and announced on May 8, 2002, alleged that EPD and its principles deceptively marketed electronic abdominal exercise belts. Through this action, the Commission has authorized staff to dismiss Holly Hernandez as a defendant in this matter. The Commission vote authorizing the staff to file the stipulated dismissal was 5-0. The dismissal was filed with the court on February 3, 2003. (FTC File No. X020064, Civ. No. 02-CV-88H (AJB); staff contact is Walter Gross, Bureau of Consumer Protection, 202-326-3319; see press release dated May 8, 2002.)

Commission approval of final consent order

Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved the issuance of a final consent order, and a letter to the commenter of record, in the matter concerning the acquisition of Wyeth Corporation's generic injectable drug business by Baxter International, Inc. The Commission vote to approve the final consent order was 5-0. (FTC File No. 021-0171, Docket No. C4068; staff contact is Joanne C. Lewers, Bureau of Competition, 202-326-2667; see press release dated December 20, 2002.)

Commission approval of amended complaint

The Commission has approved the filing of an amended complaint in the matter currently pending against Jubilee Financial Services, Inc., et al. (Jubilee). The complaint, filed as part of the joint FTC/state "Operation No-Credit" law enforcement sweep targeting a wide range of credit-related frauds, alleged that Jubilee falsely promised consumers that they could reduce consumers' debt and restore their credit by negotiating with creditors. Through the amended complaint, the Commission is naming two additional corporate defendants that allegedly played key roles in the scheme, as well as the two individuals that controlled those entities. The new defendants are: Gustafson Learning Centers, Inc.; Jemuel Apelar; Debt Relief Counselors of America, P.C., and John K. Mitchell. The Commission vote authorizing the staff to file the amended complaint was 5-0. (FTC File No. X020105; staff contact is Jennifer Larabee, FTC Western Region, 310-824-4323; see press release dated September 5, 2002.)