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 violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Sean Storrie of Philadelphia has also been charged with FIFRA violations.
According to the indictment, ViaClean Technologies and Young allegedly worked with others to sell registered pesticides by making false claims about their effectiveness. The indictment states that they misled customers by asserting that their products could kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The products in question were originally intended to inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi such as mold and mildew, and algae.
All defendants face misdemeanor charges for selling pesticide products using claims not consistent with those approved on their master labels.
Young and Storrie appeared in federal magistrate court in Philadelphia. ViaClean Technologies is scheduled for its initial 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.
“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,” according to U.S. Attorney David Metcalf.
