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PA LOUISIANA MAN CHARGED WITH ILLEGAL PESTICIDE SALES
Release Date: 09/25/98
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FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1998
LOUISIANA MAN CHARGED WITH ILLEGAL PESTICIDE SALES
Emmanuel Johnson of Independence, La., was indicted on Sept.11, in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana in New Orleans on two counts of selling and distributing the restricted use pesticide methyl parathion for purposes that are not approved on its label. Johnson is accused of selling the pesticide to kill insects in homes. Methyl parathion is only approved for application outdoors in agricultural fields. When it is used indoors, the pesticide can take up to two years to decompose and people who are exposed to it can become ill. This can cause a variety of symptoms including, headaches, vomiting, cramps, convulsions and coma. In sufficient doses, exposure to methyl parathion can be fatal. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of up to two years imprisonment and/or fines of up to $200,000. He could also be required to pay restitution for damages suffered by victims of the alleged crimes. The case was investigated by EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division, the FBI and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture.
R-129 ###
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