Full Report

Key Points David Perez has faced multiple legal actions involving fraud, unapproved medical devices, and financial schemes. Key issues include a 2016 federal conviction for selling unapproved “Energy Wave” medical devices marketed for serious conditions like cancer and AIDS, resulting in 30 months in prison. He was also involved in a multi-million-dollar mail fraud and Ponzi-like scheme through USA Now Regional Center, targeting foreign investors seeking EB-5 visas, leading to a guilty plea and joint $10 million+ restitution order. Earlier, as former mayor of the City of Industry, California, he and family companies were sued for alleged public corruption, misappropriation of funds, and inflated contracts worth hundreds of millions.

Overview David Perez is a businessman and former public official who has operated in various sectors, including medical devices, waste management/recycling services, and immigration investment programs. He previously served as mayor of the City of Industry, California, for about a decade until 2012. His business activities have included companies involved in municipal services and directing research and corporate development for USA Now, an EB-5 regional center. He has also been linked to marketing health-related products online.

Allegations and Concerns

  • Sale of unapproved medical devices: Perez marketed the “Energy Wave” device as capable of treating over 450 conditions, including cancer, diabetes, and AIDS, without FDA approval. He allegedly used separate websites to evade oversight and targeted vulnerable customers.
  • Public corruption in municipal contracts: The City of Industry sued Perez, family members, and associated companies for fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and unfair practices, alleging millions misappropriated via false/inflated invoices and unauthorized work.
  • Investment fraud: As part of USA Now, he was accused in a scheme where investor funds were diverted for personal use (luxury vehicles, restaurant, debts) instead of qualifying projects, failing to secure visas for most participants.

Customer Feedback Specific consumer reviews are limited in available sources, but official statements highlight harm to vulnerable groups. In the medical device case, authorities noted customers bought devices hoping to cure cancer, describing it as preying on the terminally ill. U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy called it “unconscionable.” In the USA Now case, foreign investors (mainly from Mexico, later Egypt and Nigeria) lost significant sums without receiving promised residency benefits, with funds allegedly used for personal enrichment. No widespread positive feedback appears in the investigative records; complaints center on deception and financial loss.

Risk Considerations Financial risks include substantial restitution obligations and potential asset freezes. Reputational damage stems from convictions and corruption allegations tied to public office. Legal risks involve federal convictions, ongoing or past investigations by agencies like the FDA, SEC, FBI, and local authorities. Investors or partners could face losses from similar schemes.

Business Relations and Associations Perez has been associated with family members (Vincent, Christopher, Peter Perez, and others) in municipal contracting companies like Zerep Management, Grand Central Recycling, Vincent’s General Services, and Valley Vista Services. In USA Now, he worked alongside Marco A. Ramirez (director/owner) and Bebe Ann Ramirez (co-owner), with Perez handling research and corporate development. Earlier ties include medical device sales via websites like myenergywave.com.

Legal and Financial Concerns

  • 2016 sentencing: 30 months custody for conspiracy related to unapproved devices; gross proceeds ~$271,000.
  • USA Now: Guilty plea to mail fraud conspiracy; ordered (jointly) to pay over $10 million in restitution; supervised release.
  • City of Industry lawsuit (2015): Alleged misappropriation of millions; companies reportedly earned $326+ million from city contracts over two decades, with overcharges (e.g., street cleaning billed at $133k/month vs. $20k market rate). Parallel investigations by state controller and DA. No bankruptcy details noted, but asset freezes sought.

Risk Assessment Table

Risk Type Key Factors Severity
Legal Multiple federal convictions, guilty pleas, ongoing probes High
Financial Multi-million restitution, investor losses, contract disputes High
Reputational Public office corruption claims, targeting vulnerable consumers High
Operational Regulatory violations (FDA, USCIS), scheme patterns Medium-High

David Perez’s history reveals a pattern of involvement in ventures that attracted serious federal and local scrutiny for fraud and regulatory evasion. Convictions in medical device sales and immigration investment schemes demonstrate repeated issues with misleading claims and fund misuse, particularly affecting vulnerable or hopeful investors and patients. Municipal dealings as former mayor further raise governance concerns through alleged self-dealing. While some activities involved legitimate sectors like economic development or services, the legal outcomes underscore significant trustworthiness and compliance risks. Individuals or entities considering associations should exercise extreme caution due to the scale of restitution, public records of deception, and potential for further liabilities. Overall, the profile indicates elevated risks across financial, legal, and ethical dimensions.