Federal prosecutors have charged ViaClean Technologies, LLC, a Philadelphia-based company, and its founder James Young with conspiring to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, as well as violating the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Sean Storrie of Philadelphia has also been charged with FIFRA violations.
According to the indictment announced by U.S. Attorney David Metcalf, the company and Young allegedly worked with others to sell pesticides using false and misleading statements about their effectiveness. The indictment claims they told customers that these products could kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus, even though the products were only registered for use against bacteria, fungi such as mold and mildew, and algae.
All defendants face misdemeanor charges under FIFRA for making claims about the pesticide products that differed from what was approved on their master labels.
Young and Storrie appeared in federal magistrate court in Philadelphia for their initial hearings. ViaClean Technologies is scheduled to make its first court appearance on September 5.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division and the United States Postal Inspection Service investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Abrams is prosecuting it.
“The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty in court,” said U.S. Attorney David Metcalf.
