Arnoldo Carrillo Bazan, Conspiracy To Tamper With A Consumer Product, Kansas 2009

LENEXA, KS – A Kansas man and his wife were sentenced to lengthy prison terms in connection with a calculated poisoning plot targeting patrons of the Mi Ranchito restaurant chain in 2009. The case, investigated by a multi-agency task force including the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division and the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations, revealed a scheme motivated by revenge and financial grievance.

According to court documents, Arnoldo Carrillo Bazan, a former employee of Mi Ranchito, harbored resentment towards the restaurant owner, believing he was responsible for Bazan’s suspension and the alleged theft of his vehicle. Bazan allegedly enlisted his wife, Yini De La Torre, to carry out a plan to poison customers as retribution. The pair systematically contaminated salsa served at the Lenexa location with Methomyl, a highly toxic insecticide.

On August 11, 2009, twelve diners at Mi Ranchito reported experiencing symptoms including nausea, abdominal cramps, and weakness after consuming the tainted salsa. A second, larger-scale poisoning incident occurred on August 30, 2009, sickening approximately 36 patrons, some of whom required hospitalization. The Johnson County Health Department and the FDA quickly identified Methomyl in both the salsa and in samples taken from the affected individuals, confirming the deliberate act of contamination.

Prior to the poisonings, authorities say Bazan engaged in stalking behavior towards the restaurant owner and issued threats, including a message sent to the restaurant’s website demanding the return of his vehicle. He also allegedly warned De La Torre against cooperating with investigators, threatening her with physical harm if she did. The investigation revealed a clear pattern of escalating aggression and a deliberate attempt to inflict harm.

De La Torre pleaded guilty to conspiracy to tamper with a consumer product and was sentenced in February 2010 to 87 months in federal prison, followed by 36 months of probation. She was ordered to pay $487,179.88 in restitution to cover medical expenses for the victims and losses incurred by the restaurant. Bazan later entered a guilty plea to the same charge in March 2011 and received a 120-month prison sentence, plus 24 months of supervised release, and was also ordered to pay a combined $736,436.08 in restitution.

The incident caused significant financial damage to the Mi Ranchito chain, with the Lenexa location experiencing a $250,000 decline in sales over September and October 2009. The case highlights the serious consequences of intentional product tampering and the dedication of federal and local agencies to protecting public health and safety.

Table of Contents

Key Facts

Defendants: Arnoldo Carrillo Bazan & Yini De La Torre
Crime: Conspiracy to Tamper with a Consumer Product
Location: Lenexa, Kansas
Date of Incident: August 2009
Poison Used: Methomyl (insecticide)
Victims: Approximately 48 restaurant patrons

Statutes Violated: The defendants violated 18 U.S.C. 1365(a)(3), which prohibits the intentional adulteration or misbranding of food, and 18 U.S.C. 1365(e), relating to tampering with consumer products with intent to cause injury.

Penalties: De La Torre received 87 months imprisonment and $487,179.88 in restitution. Bazan received 120 months imprisonment, 24 months supervised release, and $736,436.08 in restitution. These penalties reflect the severity of the crime and the significant harm inflicted upon the victims and the business.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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