MACON, GA – Steven A. Murray, 54, of Pelham, Alabama, and his company, Bio-Tech Management Inc., have confessed to a callous scheme that put the health of vulnerable seniors at risk. The pair pleaded guilty today in federal court to charges of conspiracy, unlawful use of pesticides, false statements, and mail fraud, stemming from the deliberate misapplication of pesticides in nursing homes across Georgia.
Between October 2005 and June 2009, Bio-Tech Management Inc. held contracts to provide monthly pest control services to numerous Georgia nursing homes. But instead of adhering to safety standards, Murray and his employees routinely sprayed the potent pesticide Termidor inside facilities – a direct violation of manufacturer instructions and federal regulations. This wasn’t a matter of simple oversight; it was a calculated disregard for the wellbeing of residents, many of whom were already battling health issues.
The scheme began to unravel when the Georgia Department of Agriculture flagged Bio-Tech’s misuse of Termidor and other pesticides. Rather than cooperate with the investigation, Murray allegedly ordered his employees to tamper with company service reports, attempting to cover up the illegal activity. This obstruction of justice only deepened the severity of the crimes.
“These defendants misapplied potentially harmful pesticides around senior citizens and conspired to obstruct an investigation by state and federal law enforcement,” stated Acting Assistant Attorney General Robert G. Dreher of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “It is essential that companies and individuals who handle pesticides do so lawfully and honestly, and those that fail to do so will be held accountable under the law.”
U.S. Attorney Michael J. Moore for the Middle District of Georgia echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the emotional toll of the crime. “When our loved ones make the transition to a nursing home, the last thing any of us wants to worry about is whether our parents or grandparents are being subjected to improperly applied chemicals,” Moore said. “Mr. Murray and his company created a potentially harmful situation for the residents and another reason to worry for the residents’ families.”
Maureen O’Mara, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s Criminal Enforcement Program in Georgia, didn’t mince words. “The defendants took advantage of some of our most vulnerable citizens by deliberately applying pesticides contrary to federal law in nursing homes around the state of Georgia,” she stated. “What is even more shameful is they then took steps to conceal it. This plea agreement shows that we will not tolerate individuals or companies who put profit over protection.” Sentencing details for Steven A. Murray and Bio-Tech Management Inc. have not yet been announced. Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2603.
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Key Facts
- State: Georgia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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