Fort Pierce, FL – A Florida man and a pest control company were sentenced this week for their roles in a negligent fumigation that sickened a family, including a nine-year-old child, in August 2015. Grenale Leonard Williams, 53, of South Bay, and Sunland Pest Control Services Inc. were found to have violated federal pesticide regulations, leading to significant health risks for the family they were contracted to serve. The case highlights the dangers of improper pesticide application and the severe consequences for those who disregard safety protocols.
According to court documents, the incident stemmed from a termite fumigation subcontracted by Terminix to Sunland. Despite contractual obligations and federal law, Sunland, under the direction of Williams and Canarie Deon Curry, 40, of Riviera Beach, failed to adhere to crucial safety measures when applying sulfuryl fluoride, a restricted-use pesticide. These failures included neglecting to provide a mandatory Fact Sheet detailing the pesticide’s hazards, failing to maintain adequate staffing, improperly aerating the residence after fumigation, and failing to conduct proper clearance testing to ensure safe levels of the gas.
The family returned home on August 16, 2015, believing the property was safe based on a clearance tag left by Sunland. Shortly after entering, multiple family members began experiencing symptoms consistent with pesticide poisoning. Medical evaluation confirmed their suspicions, and the nine-year-old son received particular attention. Investigators determined that the defendants had falsely assured both the family and Terminix that all safety protocols had been followed.
Legal Ramifications
Williams and Curry both pleaded guilty to violating 7 U.S.C. §136l(b)(1)(B), a section of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) that governs the proper application of restricted-use pesticides. Sunland Pest Control Services Inc. also pleaded guilty to this charge, as well as to making false statements – a violation of 18 U.S.C. §1001 – during the subsequent investigation. FIFRA mandates strict compliance with product labels, which are legally binding, and prohibits misrepresentation of pesticide application procedures.
U.S. District Court Judge Jose E. Martinez sentenced Williams and Curry to one year of imprisonment each. Sunland Pest Control Services Inc. received a five-year probationary sentence. U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer emphasized that the sentencing serves as a warning to corporations and individuals about the importance of complying with federal pesticide regulations and the criminal penalties for doing so. Acting Special Agent in Charge Andy Castro of the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division underscored the agency’s commitment to protecting public health and safety by pursuing those who knowingly endanger others through illegal pesticide applications.
Key Facts
- Defendant(s): Grenale Leonard Williams, Canarie Deon Curry, Sunland Pest Control Services Inc.
- Crime: Illegal pesticide application, false statements
- Location: Fort Pierce, Florida
- Date of Incident: August 2015
- Statutes Violated: 7 U.S.C. §136l(b)(1)(B); 18 U.S.C. §1001
- Penalties: Williams & Curry – 1 year imprisonment; Sunland – 5 years probation
- Victim(s): A family of five, including a nine-year-old child who suffered pesticide poisoning.
The investigation was a collaborative effort involving the EPA, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the Florida Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement. The prosecution was handled by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jodi A. Mazer and Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Watts-FitzGerald of the Economic & Environmental Crimes Section.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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