MIAMI – In a shocking case of deceit and greed, Mark Grenon, 65, and his three sons, Jonathan Grenon, 38, Jordan Grenon, 29, and Joseph Grenon, 36, have been found guilty of conspiracy to defraud the United States by distributing an unapproved and misbranded drug.
The Grenons, all of Bradenton, Florida, manufactured, promoted, and sold a product they named Miracle Mineral Solution (“MMS”). MMS is a chemical solution containing sodium chlorite and water which, when ingested orally, became chlorine dioxide, a powerful bleach typically used for industrial water treatment or bleaching textiles, pulp, and paper.
The Grenons claimed that ingesting MMS could treat, prevent, and cure COVID-19. The FDA, however, had not approved MMS for treatment of COVID-19, or for any other use. Rather, in prior official warning statements, the FDA had strongly urged consumers not to purchase or use MMS for any reason, explaining that drinking MMS was the same as drinking bleach and could cause dangerous side effects, including severe vomiting, diarrhea, and life-threatening low blood pressure.
The Grenons sold tens of thousands of bottles of MMS nationwide, including to consumers throughout South Florida. They sold this dangerous product under the guise of Genesis II Church of Health and Healing (“Genesis”), an entity they created to avoid government regulation of MMS and shield themselves from prosecution.
Before marketing MMS as a cure for COVID-19, the Grenons marketed MMS as a miracle cure-all for dozens of other serious diseases and disorders, such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and leukemia, even though the FDA had not approved MMS for any use.
The federal jury also found defendants Jonathan and Jordan Grenon guilty of criminal contempt of court. The United States previously filed a civil case against the defendants and Genesis II Church of Health and Healing. See United States v. Genesis II Church of Health and Healing, et al., Case No. 20-21601-CV-WILLIAMS. In that civil case, the United States obtained court orders halting the Grenons’ distribution of MMS. The Grenons willfully violated those court orders and continued to distribute MMS.
Sentencing has been scheduled for October 6. The Grenons received more than $1 million from selling MMS. The federal government has obtained court orders halting the Grenons’ distribution of MMS. The Grenons also threatened the federal judge presiding over the civil case, and threatened that, should the government attempt to enforce the court orders halting their distribution of MMS, the Grenons would “pick up guns” and instigate “a Waco.”
The Grenons will face the consequences of their actions. The public must be vigilant and aware of the dangers of fake cures and unapproved treatments. The FDA has strongly urged consumers not to purchase or use MMS for any reason. The public must be aware of the risks and dangers of unapproved treatments and fake cures.
The Grenons’ actions are a stark reminder of the dangers of greed and the importance of adhering to regulatory guidelines. The public must remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Mark Grenon, 65, and his three sons, Jonathan Grenon, 38, Jordan Grenon, 29, and Joseph Grenon, 36, will face sentencing on October 6. The exact terms of their sentence will depend on the outcome of the sentencing hearing. The Grenons have been found guilty of conspiracy to defraud the United States by distributing an unapproved and misbranded drug. The exact sentence will be determined by the court.
Defendant: Mark Grenon, 65, and his three sons, Jonathan Grenon, 38, Jordan Grenon, 29, and Joseph Grenon, 36
Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to Defraud the United States by distributing an unapproved and misbranded drug
City and State: Bradenton, Florida
Exactly Date: October 6
Sentence or Outcome: Sentencing scheduled for October 6
Dollar Amounts: More than $1 million
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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