Steve Lieberman

slieberm@lohud.com

NEW CITY — A testing laboratory's records have been seized as part of an investigation by the Rockland District Attorney's Office and federal agencies, authorities confirmed Friday.

The raid on AMA Laboratories on Thursday resulted from an ongoing investigation by District Attorney Thomas Zugibe's special investigations unit. Detectives went to the Congers Road business as part of a joint investigation with the FBI and the Office of Criminal Investigations for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Zugibe and Executive Assistant District Attorney Richard Kennison Moran confirmed the investigation and the execution of a search warrant at the business at 216 Congers Road, across from Clarkstown North High School. They would not provide further details.

The FDA declined comment.

"The FDA, by policy, does not discuss possible or ongoing investigations," agency press officer Lyndsay Meyer wrote in an email to The Journal News/lohud.com.

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An AMA representative said Friday that company officials have been advised by their attorneys not to discuss the situation. A message was left for AMA attorney David Resnick.

In response to media reports, AMA Laboratories issued the following statement on Friday:

"We are cooperating fully on this matter. We have a stellar 30 year history and an outstanding track record,” said Ronn Torossian, a spokesperson.

AMA Laboratories' website says the company has more than 30 years of experience as a consumer product testing company, including cosmetics and personal care products. The website says AMA is an independent commercial testing laboratory specializing in safety and efficacy.

Clarkstown Police Officer Peter Walker said Friday that the department had been informed of the search.

The company's chief executive officer is Gabriel Letizia, according to the New York state Department of State Division of Corporations website. The company filed in New York in June 2003 as a foreign business corporation, according to the state.

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