John T. Frederick, Pesticide Violation, HI 2004

HONOLULU, HI – John T. Frederick, Jr., owner of New Technology International, received a 12-month probationary sentence in October 2003 for illegally distributing an unregistered pesticide, according to records obtained by GrimyTimes. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), highlights the ongoing struggle to regulate the sale of potentially harmful substances and enforce federal pesticide laws.

Frederick’s company, New Technology International, marketed and sold a product known as “Kritter Killer.” The EPA determined that Kritter Killer was a pesticide that had *not* been registered as required by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Unregistered pesticides pose significant risks to human health and the environment, as their ingredients and potential effects haven’t been evaluated by regulatory bodies.

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Timeline of Events

The legal proceedings began on May 28, 2003, when Frederick was formally charged with two counts of violating FIFRA. The charges specifically cited 7 U.S.C. 136a(1)(A) – the unlawful distribution or sale of an unregistered pesticide – and 7 U.S.C. 136j(a)(2)(I), which relates to violations of stop-sale, removal, or seizure orders issued by the EPA. Sources indicate the EPA had previously issued such an order concerning Kritter Killer, which Frederick allegedly disregarded.

Despite the initial two-count indictment, Frederick ultimately pled guilty to a single charge on October 16, 2003. In a surprising turn, the court opted to impose a sentence of 12 months probation but did *not* levy a monetary fine. The decision has raised questions among legal observers, given the potential public health risks associated with unregistered pesticides. GrimyTimes reached out to the EPA for comment on the sentencing but has not yet received a response.

The Importance of FIFRA

FIFRA, enacted in 1972, is the primary federal law governing the registration, distribution, sale, and use of pesticides in the United States. It requires all pesticides to be registered with the EPA before they can be legally sold. This registration process involves rigorous testing and evaluation to ensure the product is effective and doesn’t pose unreasonable risks to people, wildlife, or the environment. Selling an unregistered pesticide is a federal crime, carrying potential penalties including fines and imprisonment.

Key Facts

Defendant: John T. Frederick, Jr.
Company: New Technology International
Product: Kritter Killer (unregistered pesticide)
State: Hawaii
Year: 2004 (sentence received in 2003)
Statutes Violated: 7 U.S.C. 136a(1)(A), 7 U.S.C. 136j(a)(2)(I)
Penalty: 12 months probation, no fine

This case serves as a reminder of the EPA’s ongoing efforts to combat the illegal sale of pesticides and protect the public from potentially hazardous products. GrimyTimes will continue to follow this story and investigate other instances of environmental crime.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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