A Florida family has been found guilty of selling a toxic industrial bleach as a fake cure for COVID-19 through their online church. The federal jury in Miami convicted Mark Grenon, 65, and his sons Jonathan, 37, Joseph, 35, and Jordan, 29, of conspiring to defraud the United States and deliver misbranded drugs. The Grenons, who represented themselves, now face up to five years in prison. Prosecutors referred to them as “con men” and “snake-oil salesmen” who sold their so-called Miracle Mineral Solution, claiming it could cure various diseases, including COVID-19.
The Grenons, who operated the Genesis II Church of Health and Healing, were found guilty of defrauding the United States and distributing misbranded drugs. The sentencing is scheduled for October 6. During the two-day trial, the Grenons chose not to speak, but after the verdict was delivered, Joseph Grenon announced their intention to appeal the decision.
Prosecutors revealed that the Grenons’ Miracle Mineral Solution was, in fact, chlorine dioxide, a bleach commonly used in industrial applications. The Food and Drug Administration warned that ingesting the solution could lead to severe side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, and life-threatening low blood pressure. Authorities reported cases of hospitalizations, life-threatening conditions, and even deaths resulting from the consumption of the solution.
In 2020, a Miami federal judge ordered the Genesis II Church to cease selling the toxic substance. However, the Grenons disregarded the court order, continuing to distribute their Miracle Mineral Solution. Jonathan and Jordan Grenon were arrested in Bradenton, Florida, while Mark and Joseph Grenon fled to Colombia. They were later apprehended and extradited back to the United States.
The indictment against the Grenon family alleged that they used the Genesis II Church of Health and Healing, described as a “non-religious church,” to evade government regulation and protect themselves from prosecution. The mineral solution was only accessible through mandatory “donations” to the church, with specific dollar amounts set by the family.
Authorities have condemned the Grenons’ actions, emphasizing the dangers of consuming the toxic bleach. The fraudulent sale of the Miracle Mineral Solution underscores the need for vigilance against false claims and unproven remedies during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.