LAS VEGAS (AP) — Two men have pleaded guilty in Las Vegas to making a misbranded pesticide that claimed to kill HIV, bird flu and salmonella in air ducts but was highly diluted.
President Richard Papaleo and manager Michael Stanovich of Air Care Indoor Quality Specialists pleaded guilty Monday to selling the unapproved product and lying to federal agents about it.
An investigation began after the maker of the pesticide Sporicidin complained to the Environmental Protection Agency. Undercover agents say they bought Air Care's version of the pesticide, and found that it was diluted to one-tenth the original strength even though the label claimed it was full strength.
Authorities say Air Care sold more than 6,300 gallons of fake Sporicidin between 2005 and 2010.
The crimes are punishable by a fine and prison time.
