BRADENTON, Fla. (WFLA/AP) — Federal prosecutors say a Bradenton man and his three sons are facing federal charges that they illegally sold a bleachlike chemical mixture as a miracle cure for the coronavirus and other diseases.
Prosecutors said Wednesday that Mark Grenon along with sons Jonathan, Jordan, and joseph Grenon sold Miracle Mineral Solution nationwide through an entity called the Genesis II Church of Health and Healing in Bradenton, Florida.
A Miami federal judge in April ordered the self-styled church to stop selling the substance, but authorities say they ignored the order.
Miracle Mineral Solution is not approved by the FDA and the agency calls taking it the same as drinking bleach. The FDA said in a news release last August that “ingesting these products is the same as drinking bleach. Consumers should not use these products, and parents should not give these products to their children for any reason.”
Prior to the pandemic, the Grenons marketed it as not only a coronavirus cure but also a cure for cancer, autism, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and AIDS, according to the complaint.
“Not only is this MMS product toxic, but its distribution and use may prevent those who are sick from receiving the legitimate healthcare they need,” Miami U.S. Attorney Ariana Fajardo Orshan said in a news release. “We will not sit idly by as individuals purposefully violate court orders and put the public in danger.”
The complaint says the Grenons initially agreed to abide by U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams’ order that they stop selling the solution, then changed their tone in podcasts and emails to the judge herself.
“We will NOT be participating in any of your UNCONSTITUTIONAL Orders, Summons, etc,” one email from Mark Grenon read. “Again and again I have written you all that . . . you have NO authority over our Church.”
A May podcast contained these comments: “You’re no judge. This judge could go to jail. “You could be taken out, Ms. Williams. We’re not obeying it. Don’t care what you do.”
Charged in the criminal complaint are 62-year-old Mark Grenon and his sons with two conspiracy counts and criminal contempt.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
LATEST ON THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC:
