Pest Control Company Charged with $10M Fine Over Poisoning of Delaware Family

A pest control company, Terminix will pay a total of $10 million for the poisoning of a Delaware family. The family was vacationing in the U.S. Virgin Islands last year when they were sickened and poisoned. Terminix was charged of illegally spraying lethal pesticides in 14 sites.

As per the U.S. Justice Department, the pest control company conceded to using harmful pesticides known as the methyl bromide, Delaware Online reported.  The pest control company is obligated to pay $10 million in community service, criminal fines and restitution payments. They also face a three year probation. Terminix admitted to spraying the toxic chemical to 14 sites that include Sirenusa condominium resort in St. John, where the Delaware family had their vacation.  The Delaware family was poisoned by the pesticide that was banned by the  Environmental Protection Agency since 1984.

"Tragically, the defendants' failure to do so resulted in catastrophic injuries to the victims and exposed many others to similar harm," said U.S. Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe of the District of the Virgin Islands.

The case against the pest control company started when the Esmond family, was found poisoned with the pesticide that a Terminix staff used.  The Delaware family consisting of Steve Esmond, then-head of Tatnall's middle school; his wife, Dr. Theresa Divine; and their two sons Sean and Ryan stayed in the condominium for eight months, according to NBC Philadelphia.  According to the site, the teens were in critical condition and suffered neurological damage. Stephen and Theresa have undergone therapy.

"When you break a law that protects public health, there are real victims and real consequences, as this case tragically shows," said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. "This incident illustrates how important it is for EPA to enforce environmental laws and hold anyone accountable for endangering our safety. Today's charges should send a clear message to the industry, and directs important funds toward training programs to help ensure this can't happen again."

Philly Voice reports that the pest control company voluntarily stopped using methyl bromide in the U.S. and the U.S. territories except for areas that are under the government's contract.  It is one of the biggest and the controversial poisoning that happened in the U.S. after the EPA Criminal Investigation Division, the Virgins Islands government and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry collaborated for the investigation.

The pest control company has also agreed to pay for the past and future medical expenses of the poisoned Delaware family.  Terminix's plea agreement is due to the approval of the Justice Department. 

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pest control company, terminix, Delaware family poisoning, methyl bromide, Esmond family, pesticide

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