Richard Parker, Animal Drug and Pesticide Fraud, Alabama 2021

SPANISH FORT, AL – Richard and Monique Parker, operating under the business name F.B. McGuinness, have been sentenced to three years of probation, a $5,000 fine, and forced to forfeit $100,000 after pleading guilty to federal charges related to the fraudulent sale of animal drugs and pesticides. The couple ran the operation from their residence in Spanish Fort, Alabama, marketing their products primarily to the cockfighting industry through a catalog.

Federal investigators discovered that F.B. McGuinness was operating as an unregistered drug establishment with neither FDA nor EPA approval. The Parkers admitted to repackaging and relabeling products, including drugs and pesticides, and falsely representing them as legitimate, approved items. This deception extended to the inclusion of fabricated FDA and NADA (New Animal Drug Application) numbers on their product labels, designed to mislead customers into believing the products met regulatory standards.

The scheme came to light following a series of anonymous purchases and subsequent analysis of the F.B. McGuinness catalog offerings. These tests revealed that many of the products were either mislabeled, contained false information, or were not as advertised. A search warrant executed in October 2020 at the Parker’s residence uncovered a fully operational repackaging and labeling facility. The couple confessed to years of producing and distributing these fraudulent goods, admitting the false labeling was intentional to create an illusion of legitimacy.

The products sold by F.B. McGuinness were particularly concerning due to the inclusion of items no longer approved for sale in the United States. The FDA determined some products contained suspected carcinogens, posing a significant health risk. Furthermore, the EPA identified pesticides that were either inactive or had been removed from the market due to safety concerns. This blatant disregard for regulations demonstrates a calculated effort to profit at the expense of public and animal health.

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Legal Ramifications

The Parkers were found to have violated several federal statutes, including 7 U.S.C. 136j(a)(1)(E), 21 U.S.C. 333(a)(2), 21 U.S.C. 333(a)(1), and 7 U.S.C. 136j(a)(1)(A). These laws pertain to the misbranding of animal drugs, operating an unregistered drug establishment, and the sale of unregistered, adulterated, and misbranded pesticides. The sentencing reflects the severity of these violations, with the three-year probation, $5,000 fine, and $100,000 forfeiture serving as both a punishment and a deterrent to others considering similar fraudulent activities.

Key Facts

Defendants: Richard and Monique Parker (F.B. McGuinness)
Location: Spanish Fort, Alabama
Crime: Fraudulent sale of misbranded animal drugs and pesticides
Target Industry: Primarily cockfighting
Violated Laws: 7 U.S.C. 136j(a)(1)(E), 21 U.S.C. 333(a)(2), 21 U.S.C. 333(a)(1), 7 U.S.C. 136j(a)(1)(A)
Penalties: 3 years probation, $5,000 fine, $100,000 forfeiture
Products Included: Items containing suspected carcinogens and inactive/banned pesticides

This case underscores the ongoing efforts of the EPA and FDA to combat the illegal distribution of dangerous substances and protect both animal and human health. Investigators continue to monitor and pursue individuals and businesses engaged in these fraudulent practices, ensuring accountability and upholding regulatory standards.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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