Two former officials of Peanut Corporation of America, Stewart Parnell and Michael Parnell, have been convicted of conspiracy, mail and wire fraud, and the introduction of misbranded food into interstate commerce in a case linked to a massive salmonella outbreak in 2009. The trial, which began in the Middle District of Georgia, saw prosecutors present the testimony of 45 witnesses and introduce 1,001 documents into evidence.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the tainted peanuts led to an outbreak with more than 700 reported cases of salmonella poisoning, translating to over 22,000 total cases. As part of their schemes, the Parnells and other defendants fabricated certificates of analysis (COAs) accompanying various shipments of peanut products, stating that the food was free of pathogens when in fact there had been no testing or tests had revealed the presence of pathogens.
“As this verdict confirms, the salmonella outbreak that caused nationwide panic five years ago was a direct result of the actions of these individuals,” said Attorney General Eric Holder. “This verdict demonstrates that the government will never waver in our pursuit of those who break our laws and compromise the safety of America’s food supply for financial gain.”
Stewart Parnell and Michael Parnell, both of Virginia, were also convicted of obstruction of justice, alongside Mary Wilkerson of Edison, Georgia. The convictions all arise from the unlawful sale of salmonella-tainted peanuts and peanut products.
“We are gratified by the jury’s verdict,” said Joyce R. Branda, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division. “The jury delivered a powerful message that there will be serious consequences for criminals who put profit above the welfare of their customers and knowingly sell contaminated food.”
The verdict comes after a seven-week trial, during which expert evidence showed the extent of the salmonella outbreak and the deliberate actions of the defendants to cover up the tainted peanuts. The outcome sends a clear message that those responsible for such crimes will face justice.
“In this great country, we take for granted the safety of the food we feed our families,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Moore of the Middle District of Georgia. “We expect, and rightfully so, for food suppliers to follow the rules and regulations, and when they don’t, we will hold them accountable.”
Related Federal Cases
- PCA’s Stewart Parnell Convicted in Salmonella Scandal · Washington
- Genesis Calvin Moore Sentenced in Stolen Vehicle Scheme · Georgia
- Lessie Dickerson Pleads Guilty in $2M Home-Improvement Fraud Scheme · Pennsylvania
- MgBodile Gets 13 Years for $Millions Fraud Scheme · Alabama
- Georgia Woman Sentenced for $1M Wire Fraud Scheme · Virginia
Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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