Florida family accused of selling fake COVID-19 cure through online church goes on trial in Miami

In Miami, the trial of a Florida family accused of selling a counterfeit COVID-19 cure through their online church is currently underway.

The defendants, Mark Grenon (65) and his sons Jonathan (37), Joseph (35), and Jordan (29), are facing charges of conspiring to defraud the United States and distribute misbranded drugs, as stated in court records. Representing themselves, the Grenons opted not to give an opening statement when the trial commenced on Monday. They have entered a plea of not guilty.

Prosecutors have labeled the Grenons as “con men” and “snake-oil salesmen.” According to their claims, the family’s Genesis II Church of Health and Healing in Bradenton, Florida, generated $1 million in sales by promoting their product called the “Miracle Mineral Solution.” Through videos, the Grenons purported it to be a remedy for a wide range of ailments, including COVID-19, Alzheimer’s, autism, brain cancer, HIV/AIDS, and multiple sclerosis.

In reality, the substance being sold by the Grenons was chlorine dioxide, which authorities have identified as a hazardous industrial bleach. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that when ingested, it transforms into bleach commonly used in industrial applications like treating textiles, industrial water, pulp, and paper. The ingestion of this solution, according to authorities, is equivalent to consuming bleach and can potentially be fatal.

In 2020, a federal judge in Miami ordered the church to cease selling the substance. However, the Grenons ignored the court order.

Jonathan and Jordan Grenon were apprehended in Bradenton, situated just south of the Tampa Bay area. On the other hand, Mark and Joseph Grenon escaped to Colombia but were eventually captured and extradited back to the United States.

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More about COVID-19 cure

• Miami Herald: Florida family accused of selling fake COVID-19 cure through online church goes on trial in Miami
• FDA: Warning: Do Not Drink Miracle Mineral Solution or Similar Products
• NBC Miami: Florida Family Accused of Selling Toxic Bleach as COVID-19 ‘Miracle’ Cure
• Department of Justice: Florida Men Charged With Selling Toxic Bleach As Fake “Miracle” Cure for COVID-19 and Violating Court Orders
• Genesis II Church of Health and Healing (Official website of the church involved)