Augusta, GA – Chen Zong Geng, 47, has been sentenced to a total of one year in federal prison after repeatedly violating federal pesticide regulations and lying to investigators, according to court documents. Geng, operating under the businesses Chen and Friends Pest Solutions and later C&Z Pest Solutions, illegally repackaged and distributed pesticides to restaurants across multiple states, potentially endangering public health.
The case initially surfaced in 2012 when state investigators discovered repackaged pesticide within a Missouri restaurant that had been supplied by Geng. This led to an EPA investigation and a Consent Order in December 2012, requiring Geng to cease repackaging pesticides and pay a $9,433.01 fine. However, despite the agreement, investigations in late 2013 revealed that restaurants in Indiana and Missouri had received *more* repackaged insecticide traced back to Geng. Disturbingly, labels on these repackaged containers included a warning to not show the product to “the health department.”
Federal authorities then employed a sting operation. EPA Special Agents, posing as potential customers, engaged Geng in conversation, during which he falsely claimed he was still permitted to sell pesticides. Days later, when confronted directly and questioned about his compliance with the prior Consent Order, Geng allegedly assured agents he had stopped repackaging, claiming he “knew it was wrong.” This statement proved to be false, forming the basis of a charge under Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code, specifically 18 U.S.C. 1001, for making a false statement to a federal agent.
The initial sentencing on May 22, 2014, resulted in 5 months imprisonment, followed by 5 months of home confinement and 3 years of supervised release, along with a $3,000 fine. However, Geng’s criminal activity didn’t end there. On April 4, 2014, he was charged with violating the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), 07 U.S.C. 136j(a)(1)(A). A subsequent guilty plea on April 21, 2017, led to a 6-month prison sentence and a $1,500 fine, as well as a one-year term of supervised release. Critically, because Geng was already on supervised release from the previous FIFRA conviction at the time of the new offenses, the court revoked his existing supervised release and added an *additional* 6 months of incarceration to be served consecutively.
Maureen O’Mara, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Georgia, emphasized the seriousness of the violations. “If pesticides are not handled safely and as directed there can be severe, even fatal, consequences,” she stated. “This sentencing demonstrates EPA’s commitment to implementing pesticide regulations to protect public health.” United States Attorney Edward J. Tarver echoed this sentiment, stating his office would continue to work with partner agencies to prosecute individuals who endanger community safety for profit.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Chen Zong Geng, 47
- Location: Augusta, Georgia
- Crimes: Illegal repackaging of pesticides, making false statements to federal agents, and violation of supervised release.
- Statutes Violated: Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code (18 U.S.C. 1001) and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (07 U.S.C. 136j(a)(1)(A)).
- Penalties: A total of 12 months imprisonment (6 months for original charges, 6 months for supervised release revocation), $4,500 in fines, and 4 years of supervised release.
- Business Names: Chen and Friends Pest Solutions, C&Z Pest Solutions
The case highlights the EPA’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal pesticide distribution and the potential dangers posed by unregulated pest control practices. Authorities urge anyone with information regarding similar activity to contact the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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