The sentencing phase continues in the trial of Steward Parnell, the former Peanut Corporation of America. He faces life in prison after being found guilty on federal felony charges linked to a salmonella outbreak that killed 9 people and sickened 714 others in 46 states.
Parnell was convicted on 72 counts of conspiracy and fraud. He faces life in prison. His brother, Michael Parnell could get 17 years and plant manager Mary Wilderson may be imprisoned for five years.
During the trial 45 witnesses testified and prosecutors presented more than 1,000 documents to make the case Parnell knew about the contamination, covered it up and ordered his company to continue shipping the tainted peanut paste used in a variety of products.
Their opening statement contained three words written by Parnell in a 2007 email to a manager about the contaminated products: “Just ship it.”
It is the first time a food exec has been convicted on fed felony charges related to a food poisoning outbreak. His brother Michael Parnell and plant manager Mary Wilderson also face prison time. The salmonella outbreak 7 years ago was responsible for 9 deaths. 714 people in 46 states were sickened. Defense attorneys portrayed Parnell as a small business owner who did not know about the mismanagement. But federal inspectors found roaches, rats, mold and other filthy conditions during their raid of the plant in southwest Georgia.
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