Toxic Bleach Scam: Father and Sons Sentenced to Prison for COVID-19 Fraud
In a shocking turn of events, a father and his three sons from Bradenton, Florida, have recently been sentenced to prison for up to 12 years. Their crime? Selling toxic bleach as a supposed “miracle cure” for COVID-19 through a fictitious church. This elaborate and dangerous scheme not only defrauded countless individuals but also posed a significant threat to public health.
The Guilty Parties
Mark Grenon, aged 65, and his sons Jonathan, 37, Joseph, 35, and Jordan, 29, were found guilty of conspiring to defraud the U.S. government and the FDA by distributing an unapproved and misbranded drug. Their sentences varied, with Jonathan and Jordan receiving 12-year prison terms for violating federal court orders related to the sale of the toxic substance. Mark and Joseph Grenon both received five-year terms.
The Miracle Mineral Solution
The Grenon family’s scam revolved around a product known as “Miracle Mineral Solution” (MMS). This chemical solution contained sodium chlorite, which, when mixed with water and a citric acid activator, turned into chlorine dioxide—an industrial bleach used for water treatment and textile processing.
A Florida man and his three sons were sentenced for selling a toxic industrial bleach as a fake cure for COVID-19, Alzheimer’s, autism, brain cancer, HIV/AIDS and more through their online church https://t.co/w4RYmcKvPl
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) October 8, 2023
The Bogus Claims
The Grenons claimed that ingesting MMS could treat, prevent, and even cure COVID-19. They promoted their product through a fabricated church website, duping thousands of people across the United States. Their fraudulent sales continued throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
FDA’s Strong Warning
The Federal Drug Administration never approved MMS for the treatment of COVID-19 or any other use. They strongly cautioned against purchasing or using MMS due to its dangerous side effects, including severe vomiting, diarrhea, and life-threatening low blood pressure.
The Cracking Down
In April 2020, federal authorities cracked down on the Grenon family’s enterprise after they defied FDA orders to cease distributing the toxic substance. A raid on their home uncovered loaded guns, nearly 10,000 pounds of sodium chlorite powder, and thousands of bottles of MMS. While Jonathan and Jordan were arrested in Bradenton, Joseph fled to Colombia, where he was later extradited.
A Family’s Defense
During their trial, the Grenons represented themselves and remained silent until the verdict was delivered. Joseph Grenon declared they would be appealing the decision. Throughout the trial, prosecutors painted the Grenons as con artists using the Genesis II Church of Health and Healing as a front to defraud consumers and the U.S. government.
The Scale of Deception
The Grenons managed to sell tens of thousands of bottles of MMS nationwide, including to consumers in South Florida. They stored massive quantities of sodium chlorite powder in a shed, complete with warning labels indicating its toxicity.
False Promises
The Grenons used video pitches to lure customers, claiming that MMS could cure various illnesses, including cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and leukemia—despite the FDA’s lack of approval for any such use.
The Fake Church
The Grenons sold MMS under the guise of the Genesis II Church of Health and Healing, a sham entity created to avoid government regulation and prosecution. This fake church made it challenging for the FDA and the government to halt the family’s fraudulent activities.
A Profitable Scam
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Grenons were making an average of $32,000 per month. However, as the pandemic spread, their earnings soared to $132,000 per month.
A Trail of Harm
The actions of the Grenons may have led to multiple deaths, as numerous reports were received by the FDA of people requiring hospitalization, developing life-threatening conditions, and even dying after consuming MMS.
The First Pandemic-Related Enforcement Action
The criminal case against the Grenons, initiated in April 2020, marked the first pandemic-related enforcement action in Florida. The family even threatened violence against the federal judge overseeing the case.
The Grenon family’s shocking scheme serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of fraudulent medical claims and the importance of government oversight in protecting public health.
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