Men arrested over fake 'miracle cure' for coronavirus
A man and his three sons have been arrested for allegedly selling a bleach-like liquid as a cure for coronavirus.
Mark Grenon, 62, and his sons, Jonathan Grenon, 34, Jordan Grenon, 26, and Joseph Grenon, 32, from the US state of Florida, allegedly sold Miracle Mineral Solution nationwide through an entity called the Genesis II Church of Health and Healing.
They face a maximum of between 14 and 17 years in prison if convicted of all charges.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, the solution sold by the Grenons becomes a bleach when ingested, and is typically used for such things as treating textiles, industrial water, pulp and paper.
Authorities said drinking bleach can be fatal.
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.”
The FDA has not approved the solution for any health-related uses.
But 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.
Miami US Attorney Ariana Fajardo Orshan said not only is the MMS toxic, “but its distribution and use may prevent those who are sick from receiving the legitimate healthcare they need”.
“We will not sit idly by as individuals purposefully violate court orders and put the public in danger,” she said.
The complaint says the Grenons initially agreed to abide by US 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.”
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