ServisMed LLC has pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the illegal distribution of unregistered pesticides during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The company, which listed a South Palafox Street address, was sentenced for conspiring to violate the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) between March and December 2020.
Dangerous Deception During Crisis
The company capitalized on pandemic fears by distributing pesticide products that purported to fight COVID-19 without proper Environmental Protection Agency registration.
- “This company broke the law by exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic to enrich itself through the deceptive distribution of a chemical agent that had not been registered or approved for use on humans,” stated John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
The scheme involved distributing unregistered pesticides to multiple parties, including a local law enforcement agency. ServisMed attempted to export these products internationally to Jordan and Saudi Arabia, potentially putting foreign consumers at risk while violating U.S. export regulations.
- According to former ServisMed Chief Strategy Officer Jeff Roberts’ Linkedin page, the company was “the proud Master Licensee and Global distribution Partner for Strategia and all MicroSure and Microbioshield Products. We are the Greater Prevention Anti-Microbial Cleaning Solutions Company.”
Federal registration and proper labeling requirements exist specifically to protect citizens from potentially harmful pesticide exposure. These safeguards become even more critical when products are marketed for use on humans, as ServisMed’s COVID-fighting chemicals were positioned.
- “The defendant in this case sold unregistered pesticides in the midst of a global pandemic and sought to profit from people’s fears of contracting the coronavirus,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kristopher Martel of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division.
Substantial Penalties Imposed
The consequences for ServisMed’s actions were severe and comprehensive. The company faces:
– $13,330 in restitution to the affected law enforcement agency
– $40,000 in federal fines
– Forfeiture of export products valued at over $250,000
– Complete dissolution as a business entity
Law enforcement successfully intercepted the international exports before they could reach their destinations, preventing potential harm to foreign consumers and stopping what could have been a lucrative illegal operation.
ServisMed LLC
The company registered with the state of Florida in October 2018. The company was administratively dissolved in September 2024.
The company’s manager was American Healthcare Partners, LLC, which had the same address as ServisMed.
- American Healthcare Partners was formed in Delaware in October 2018. Florida had it registered as a Foreign Corporation and revoked its registration in September 2024.
- Its managers were Rupert Phillips, Alexander Cover, and Mark L-Hommedieu.
The three are also managing partners in AmeriHealth Partners LLC, now Syndicated Health Partners LLC, which was formed in October 2022.