Federal Judge Delivers Prison Sentences for Deceptive Scheme Exploiting Pandemic Fears.
In a significant legal ruling, a federal judge in Miami has handed down prison sentences to a Florida family that operated a fraudulent online church, selling a toxic bleach concoction as a supposed “Covid-19 cure.” The family, consisting of patriarch Mark Grenon and his three sons, Jonathan, Joseph, and Jordan, ran the Genesis II Church of Health and Healing, duping unsuspecting individuals with their false claims of a “miracle mineral solution” capable of curing 95% of known diseases, including Covid-19.
The so-called “miracle mineral solution” marketed by the Genesis II Church was, in reality, chlorine dioxide, a chemical primarily used for industrial purposes, such as treating textiles and paper. Ingesting this substance can lead to severe health complications, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, low blood pressure, liver failure, and even death. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had issued stern warnings against its consumption, equating it to drinking bleach.
The Grenon family promoted their toxic product through their website and YouTube videos, falsely claiming a substantial global following of thousands of members and adherents. Additionally, they instructed customers to avoid contact with regulatory authorities like the FDA. Prosecutors revealed that the family profited approximately $1 million from their sales.
In July 2020, the family was arrested for defying a court order to cease sales of the dangerous concoction. Mark and Joseph Grenon were apprehended in Colombia, where they had fled, while Jonathan and Jordan Grenon were arrested in Bradenton, Florida. Following their extradition to the United States, they faced charges including conspiracy to defraud the U.S., conspiracy to violate the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, and criminal contempt.
The family chose to represent themselves in court but opted not to participate in the trial. They contended that they were not subject to the court’s jurisdiction and asserted their religious freedom rights. Furthermore, they claimed that they had received divine guidance to produce and distribute the hazardous product.
After a two-day trial in July 2021, the jury found the Grenon family guilty on all counts. On October 6, 2021, Judge Kathleen Williams delivered the sentences. Jonathan and Jordan Grenon received 12 years and seven months each in prison, while Mark and Joseph Grenon received five years each. In addition to the prison terms, the judge ordered them to forfeit $1 million in assets and pay restitution to their victims. Judge Williams denounced the family’s actions, highlighting their exploitation of people’s fears and desperation during the Covid-19 pandemic and their complete lack of remorse for their deeds. She criticized their abuse of religion to justify their criminal activities.
Prosecutors labeled the family as “con men” and “snake-oil salesmen” who demonstrated no regard for the law or public health. They emphasized that the Grenons had employed their online church as a front to sell a hazardous product devoid of scientific basis or medical merit. Moreover, they stated that the family had betrayed the trust of their customers, inflicting damage on their reputation.
The case was thoroughly investigated by multiple agencies, including the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshals Service, and Colombian National Police. The prosecution was led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Porter and Karen Gilbert.
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4.https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/4-members-florida-family-sentenced-selling-fake-covid-103793854