PHILADELPHIA, PA — Federal prosecutors have announced charges against ViaClean Technologies, LLC, its founder, James Young, 46, of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and associate Sean Storrie, 59, of Philadelphia, in connection with allegations of fraud and violations of federal pesticide regulations.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Young and ViaClean Technologies are accused of conspiring with others to commit mail and wire fraud by marketing pesticide products with false and misleading claims. Prosecutors allege that the company promoted its products as effective at killing the SARS-CoV-2 virus, despite the products only being registered to control the growth of odor- and stain-causing bacteria, fungi, and algae.
The indictment also charges all defendants with misdemeanor violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Authorities allege the products were sold with claims that did not align with the approved master labels, a violation of federal law.
Young and Storrie made their initial appearances in federal magistrate court in Philadelphia, while ViaClean Technologies is scheduled to appear in court on September 5.
The case is being investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Abrams.
Authorities emphasized that the charges remain allegations at this stage. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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