AUSTIN, Texas (KWTX) \u2014 A Texas man pleaded guilty Thursday to selling volatile alkyl nitrites falsely labeled as cleaning products, admitting his role in an $8 million scheme that violated federal law, the Department of Justice reported.<\/p>\n
Brett Sandy, 41, of Austin, worked for an Austin-based manufacturer from January 2019 until February 2025. He oversaw bookkeeping for the company and spoke with customers seeking to purchase the products.<\/p>\n
The substances shipped from his employer had names such as \u201clove potion\u201d or \u201cpumpkin spice latte\u201d but were falsely labeled as \u201ctape cleaner\u201d to mislead the FDA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission about their intended purpose, court documents state. Sandy admitted the products were sold to be inhaled for recreational use.<\/p>\n
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department\u2019s Criminal Division said the defendant helped sell more than $8 million of dangerous drugs misbranded as cleaning agents while concealing their true intended use.<\/p>\n
\u201cVolatile alkyl nitrites, or poppers, can cause serious and sometimes fatal health effects,\u201d Duva said. \u201cThursday\u2019s plea reflects the Department\u2019s commitment to keep Americans safe by prosecuting those who participate in the distribution of illegal substances in our communities, particularly when false and misleading labels are involved.\u201d<\/p>\n
Health risks and distribution<\/p>\n
Volatile alkyl nitrites, known by their street name as \u201cpoppers,\u201d are inhaled through the nose for recreational purposes. The Justice Department reported that misuse of the substances can cause serious health effects, including irregular heartbeat, vision loss and death.<\/p>\n
Robert Iwanicki, acting special agent in charge of the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Kansas City Field Office, said the guilty plea demonstrates the FDA\u2019s commitment to holding accountable those who distribute falsely labeled products that endanger public health.<\/p>\n
\u201cNitrite \u2018poppers\u2019 can cause serious adverse health effects, including death, when ingested or inhaled, and the FDA will continue to take appropriate actions to protect the public health,\u201d Iwanicki said.<\/p>\n
Sandy admitted he sold hundreds of bottles from his company to someone who planned to distribute them as a drug at a \u201csexy singles party.\u201d He agreed that while he worked for the company, it sold more than $8.4 million in the products.<\/p>\n
Peter A. Feldman, acting chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, said misrepresenting hazardous products to evade federal safety requirements is illegal.<\/p>\n
Sentencing ahead<\/p>\n
Sandy pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal conspiracy. He faces up to five years in prison for each count. A sentencing date has not been set.<\/p>\n
Max J. Goldman, a trial attorney with the Criminal Division\u2019s Fraud Section, is prosecuting the case.<\/p>\n
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