Paradigm Peptides Owner Gets 70 Months For Selling Adulterated Drugs
On July 30, 2026, U.S. District Judge Cristal Brisco sentenced Paradigm Peptides owner Matthew Kawa to 70 months in federal prison in South Bend, Indiana.[1]
Prosecutors said Paradigm Peptides had about 54,000 unique customers across all 50 U.S. states and roughly 80 countries, and Kawa agreed to forfeit $5 million.[1]
Kawa had pleaded guilty to selling unapproved drugs and to illegally importing products that were falsely marketed as U.S.-made, 99 percent pure research-use peptides.[1] Government testing found six compounds the company marketed to mimic testosterone actually contained testosterone, and investigators said forged laboratory certificates were used to support product claims.[1]
Kawa's sister and key employee, Jennifer Stechkober, was earlier sentenced to 16 months in prison for her integral role in the business and for making false statements about the products.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On July 30, 2026, Judge Cristal Brisco sentenced Paradigm Peptides owner Matthew Kawa to 70 months in federal prison in South Bend, Indiana.
- Kawa pleaded guilty to selling unapproved drugs and illegally importing products that were falsely marketed as U.S.-made, 99% pure research-use peptides.
- Prosecutors said Paradigm had about 54,000 unique customers in all 50 U.S. states and 80 countries, and Kawa agreed to forfeit $5 million.
- Government testing found six compounds marketed to mimic testosterone all contained actual testosterone, and forged lab certificates were used to back product claims.
- Kawa’s sister and key employee, Jennifer Stechkober, was sentenced to 16 months in prison for her integral role in the business and its false statements.
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