A Florida family has been found guilty of selling toxic industrial bleach as a cure for various diseases, including COVID-19, through their online church. The scheme, known as the Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS), was deemed fraudulent by a federal jury in Miami, resulting in convictions for Mark Grenon and his sons Jonathan, Joseph, and Jordan.
The Grenons marketed their concoction as a cure for a wide range of ailments, from cancer to HIV/AIDS, despite it being a powerful bleach used in industrial applications. The United States Attorney’s Office revealed that the MMS contained sodium chlorite, which when ingested, turned into chlorine dioxide.
Operating under the guise of the Genesis II Church of Health and Healing, the family managed to make over $1 million in sales. Despite claiming religious affiliations, Mark Grenon admitted that the church was a front to evade legal consequences.
In response to reports of hospitalizations linked to the toxic substance, a Miami federal judge ordered the church to cease sales in July 2020. However, the Grenons continued selling MMS, leading to further warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about its harmful effects.
The FDA cautioned against consuming sodium chlorite products like MMS, citing severe side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, and dangerously low blood pressure. The indictment also revealed that the Grenons falsely promoted MMS as a cure for COVID-19 and other diseases without FDA approval.
While Jonathan and Jordan Grenon were arrested in Florida, Mark and Joseph fled to Colombia before being apprehended and extradited back to the U.S. Their sentencing is scheduled for October 6. The entire operation was built on deception and dishonesty, as stated by prosecutor John Shipley during the trial.
Florida Family Convicted of Selling Bleach Online for COVID-19 Cure, Sold $1 Million Worth
A Florida family has been convicted of selling bleach online as a supposed cure for COVID-19, making over $1 million in sales before being shut down by authorities. The dangerous product, known as “Miracle Mineral Solution” (MMS), was marketed as a remedy for various illnesses, including COVID-19, despite being a toxic chemical that can cause serious harm if ingested.
Case Details
The family, consisting of parents and their adult sons, operated a website and social media pages where they promoted and sold MMS as a cure for COVID-19. They claimed that the product could “eliminate” the virus and boost the immune system, leading to a surge in sales during the pandemic. In reality, MMS is a type of industrial bleach that is commonly used as a pesticide or for water treatment, and ingesting it can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially life-threatening reactions.
Legal Action
After an investigation by law enforcement and health agencies, the family was arrested and charged with multiple counts of fraud, conspiracy, and endangering public health. They were found guilty in court and sentenced to several years in prison, in addition to being ordered to pay restitution to their victims. The authorities also issued warnings to the public about the dangers of consuming bogus COVID-19 remedies and urged everyone to seek medical advice from qualified professionals.
Implications
This case highlights the serious consequences of promoting and selling fraudulent health products, especially during a global health crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only did the family put numerous people at risk of harm by peddling a dangerous substance, but they also exploited fears and uncertainties surrounding the virus for financial gain. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of caution and skepticism when considering alternative or unproven treatments.
Benefits and Practical Tips
- Always consult with a healthcare provider before trying any new treatment or remedy.
- Avoid products that make unrealistic or sensational claims about curing illnesses.
- Be wary of online sellers offering miracle cures for serious medical conditions.
- Report suspicious or misleading health products to the appropriate authorities.
Conclusion
The case of the Florida family selling bleach online as a COVID-19 cure serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of misinformation and quackery in the health industry. It underscores the importance of relying on evidence-based medicine and seeking guidance from reputable sources when it comes to safeguarding our health. Let this be a reminder to stay vigilant and informed in the face of enticing but dubious health claims.
