In New York City police and federal agents arrest three men accused of selling 1000 medical masks for ten times the normal price. In another case, less than a block from one of New York's biggest hospitals, agents from Homeland Security Investigations search a pharmacy tipped off that it was selling masks at vastly inflated prices. I look at these individuals, these organizations as the worst of the worst. They are looking at making a quick buck off the backs of our medical heroes. On Long Island this week officials searched a jewelry store. They say was selling N95 masks for five times what they should cost.
Typically when agents make arrests they seize the evidence and hold it for trial. But the FBI says in these cases agents try to get the medical supplies distributed to places where they're urging needed. We're also working with FEMA to make sure that if we seize it pursuant to an investigation we can work with FEMA to get it into the hands of medical professionals or the people who need it. In Texas the Attorney General sued a Houston auction house for price gouging. Even though bidder set the price not the auctioneer. When FEMA heard about all the boxes of medical supplies federal officials showed up ready to buy. But so did Harris County Texas and because it was armed with a court order and a truck the county won and hauled the material away.