Denver, CO – Colorado authorities have brought a resolution to a case involving widespread false advertising and fraudulent practices related to disinfection services during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Chad Butler, a principal owner of Microforce, along with three co-defendants, pleaded guilty to state charges stemming from claims that their disinfecting product offered long-term, 90-day protection against the Coronavirus and other pathogens.
The investigation revealed that Microforce, and its representatives, knowingly misrepresented the capabilities of their disinfectant. They advertised that the product created a “spike layer” bonding to surfaces, providing extended protection – a claim unsupported by scientific evidence. This deceptive marketing targeted a vulnerable public deeply concerned about health and safety, and led to contracts with numerous organizations, including Tri-State Generation, Evergreen Parks and Recreation, Valor Christian High School, Elevations Credit Union, and Glenmoor Country Club.
The legal proceedings unfolded throughout the latter half of 2022, beginning with Jeffery Blake Stewart entering into a deferred prosecution agreement on June 15th, requiring him to pay $40,855 in restitution. Chad Butler followed on June 27th with a guilty plea, receiving two years of supervised probation and a requirement to contribute to joint restitution. Michael Satchell, another Microforce owner, also pleaded guilty on July 18th, facing the same probationary sentence and restitution obligations. Microforce itself entered a guilty plea on July 25th, accepting responsibility for the fraudulent claims and being ordered to pay a substantial $252,439 in restitution to the defrauded entities.
Bryant Delaney, a business consultant involved with Microforce, was the final defendant to resolve their case. On October 29th, Delaney pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 24 months of probation, alongside a restitution order of $21,477. The collective restitution demanded from all defendants underscores the significant financial impact of the scheme on the victims who relied on the false promises of long-term disinfection.
Statutes Violated and Penalties
The defendants violated state statutes related to deceptive trade practices and false advertising. While specific statute numbers were not provided in the case data, the penalties levied included supervised probation ranging from 24 months to 2 years, and substantial financial restitution totaling over $315,000. These penalties reflect the seriousness with which Colorado authorities view consumer fraud, particularly when it exploits public health concerns.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Chad Butler, Michael Satchell, Jeffery Blake Stewart, Bryant Delaney, and Microforce
- Location: Colorado
- Year: 2022
- Crime: False advertising and fraudulent claims regarding the efficacy of a disinfectant product.
- Victims: Tri-State Generation, Evergreen Parks and Recreation, Valor Christian High School, Elevations Credit Union, Glenmoor Country Club, and other clients of Microforce.
- Restitution: Over $315,000 ordered collectively from the defendants.
- Penalties: Supervised probation (24 months – 2 years) for individuals, restitution for all parties.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of verifying claims, especially those related to health and safety, and highlights the commitment of law enforcement to prosecute those who exploit public fears for financial gain. GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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