BOSTON - A former Everett man was sentenced today in federal court for the improper use of pesticides and making false statements to federal agents.
Josimar Ferreira, 37, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Joseph L. Tauro to a period of probation of two years with a requirement that the first four months be served in home confinement with electronic monitoring and a fine of $3,000. As a special condition of his probation Ferreira is also ordered to comply with a July 2009 order of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. Ferreira pleaded guilty on September 1, 2011.
During the period of 2007 through 2010, Ferreira operated TVF Pest Control, Inc., a pest extermination company located in Everett. The defendant told his clients that he could eradicate bed bugs from their homes with his use of a “special” mixture, supposedly approved for indoor application. In fact, Ferreira was applying a pesticide containing the insecticide Malathion, a pesticide registered with the Environmental Protection Agency. Malathion is not approved for indoor use and its label does not permit indoor application. Ferreira applied the Malathion to indoor living spaces including a baby crib, mattresses, bed frames, baseboards, closets and furniture.
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz and Michael E. Hubbard, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division in Boston made the announcement today. The case was investigated by the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division with assistance from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori J. Holik of Ortiz’s Economic Crimes Unit.
