A federal court in Miami has announced charges against four men from Bradenton, FL, who allegedly marketed a bleach solution as a cure for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Mark Grenon, 62, and his sons, Jonathan Grenon, 34, Joseph Grenon, 32, and Jordan Grenon, 26, were each charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to violate the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, and criminal contempt. Attorney information wasn’t available.
According to the complaint, the Grenons are accused of manufacturing, promoting, and selling “Miracle Mineral Solution” (MMS). They claimed MMS could treat, prevent, and cure COVID-19, even though the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the solution for treatment of COVID-19 or any disease.
When MMS is consumed orally, it creates chlorine dioxide—a powerful bleaching agent used in several industries, including water treatment facilities. The FDA has issued warnings strongly urging people not to buy or use MMS, explaining that consuming the solution is the same as drinking bleach and can cause serious side effects, such as severe vomiting, low blood pressure, and diarrhea. The agency has reportedly received reports of people being hospitalized and dying after drinking MMS.
Before they started selling the solution as a treatment for COVID-19, the Grenons allegedly marketed MMS as a miracle cure-all for dozens of serious diseases and disorders, including Alzheimer’s, cancer, autism, HIV/AIDS, and multiple sclerosis. They sold tens of thousands of bottles of the product in South Florida and across the nation through a quasi-religious entity called Genesis II Church of Health & Healing in order to avoid government regulation. Records indicate that the Grenons made $578,506 from transactions on their MMS websites from April 2019 to April 2020.
The affidavit claims Mark Grenon has repeatedly acknowledged that Genesis is not a religious organization, and that he founded the church to avoid being imprisoned for selling MMS. The church’s own website reportedly describes Genesis as a “non-religious church.”
The four men are additionally charged with criminal contempt because they violated a temporary restraining order filed against them and their church in April to stop the distribution of MMS. The complaint alleges that they willfully violated the order and sent letters in response threatening violence against the judge presiding over the case.
“We continue to protect the public from criminal conduct that takes advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Ariana Fajardo Orshan. “Not only is this MMS product toxic, but its distribution and use may prevent those who are sick from receiving the legitimate healthcare they need. A United States District Court already has ordered the defendants to stop distributing this product; we will not sit idly by as individuals purposefully violate court orders and put the public in danger.”
Several districts have announced the formation of COVID-19 fraud task forces to combat an increase in fraud related to the coronavirus pandemic. If you are accused of committing fraud, then you should immediately consult an experienced attorney who can review the evidence and protect your rights.
Miami Fraud Defense Attorney
Have you been accused of fraud in Miami? Contact Brian Silber, P.A. for a free initial consultation with one of Miami’s most experienced fraud defense attorneys.
Source: 7.8.20 father and sons charged with selling fake miracle cure for covid-19.pdf