Washington (CNN) -- Four former officials of the
now-closed Peanut Corporation of America were indicted Thursday on
charges related to salmonella-tainted peanuts and peanut products, the
Justice Department said.
A 2009 salmonella
outbreak that prompted a massive recall of peanut goods led to nine
deaths and more than 700 illnesses in more than 40 states, according to
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The 76-count indictment,
unsealed in Georgia, alleged mail and wire fraud, the introduction of
adulterated and misbranded food into interstate commerce with the intent
to defraud or mislead, and conspiracy.
A plant in Blakely,
Georgia, roasted and processed raw peanuts. Its peanut paste was sold to
customers nationwide and used in crackers, cookies, and other items.
The Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) said the company shipped tainted product it knew
had tested positive for bacteria linked to the salmonella outbreak.
U.S. Attorney Michael Moore of Macon said the accused are expected to appear in court in Albany next week.
The defendants were
identified as Stewart Parnell, 58, of Lynchburg, Virginia; Michael
Parnell, 54, of Midlothian, Virginia; Samuel Lightsey, 48, of Blakely;
and Mary Wilkerson, 39, of Edison, Georgia.
Three of the four were also charged with obstruction of justice, Justice Department officials said.
Authorities said Daniel Kilgore, 44, of Blakely pleaded guilty to similar counts this week.
Food recalls are common, but criminal indictments around them are not.
Charges in this case
appear to have been prompted, in part, by the defendants' alleged
knowledge of the salmonella-tainted product shipment and an alleged
cover-up.
Those charged could face stiff jail terms, if convicted.
