MIAMI – In a shocking verdict, a federal jury has found Mark Grenon, 65, and his three sons, Jonathan Grenon, 38, Jordan Grenon, 29, and Joseph Grenon, 36, 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 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, an entity they created to avoid government regulation of MMS and shield themselves from prosecution. Genesis II Church described itself as a ‘non-religious church,’ and defendant Mark Grenon acknowledged that Genesis II had ‘nothing to do with religion.’
The Grenons received more than $1 million from selling MMS. Furthermore, defendants Jonathan and Jordan Grenon were found guilty of contempt of court after willfully violating court orders halting the 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.’
Sentencing has been scheduled for October 6. At sentencing, the defendants will face the consequences of their actions, which put the lives of countless individuals at risk. The verdict serves as a reminder that those who put profits over people will be held accountable for their crimes.
The case serves as a stark warning to those who would seek to exploit the vulnerable and the desperate with false and dangerous health claims. The FDA has consistently warned against the dangers of MMS, and this verdict is a testament to the importance of relying on credible and scientifically-backed information when making health decisions.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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