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PA MISSISSIPPI MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO ILLEGAL PESTICIDE USE
Release Date: 09/04/98
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FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1998
MISSISSIPPI MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO ILLEGAL PESTICIDE USE
Robert Bell of Alexandria, La., pleaded guilty on Aug. 26, in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana in Alexandria to violating the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act by illegally distributing the restricted use pesticide methyl parathion to residents at Bethal Apartments, a low-income apartment complex in Alexandria. Bell sold approximately 62 gallons of the pesticide to residents during 1996 and 1997. Eighty of the approximately 96 units in the apartment complex tested positive for methyl parathion. Methyl parathion, which is also known as “cotton poison,” is only legal for use in agricultural fields where sunlight quickly breaks it down into less harmful substances. If applied indoors, it may remain potent for up to two years, and can cause neurological disorders, vomiting, convulsions and death when people are exposed to sufficient quantities. When sentenced, Bell faces a maximum of up to three years in prison and/or fines of up to $300,000. The case was investigated by EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry.
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