A Carson-based company and its two top executives have been hit with five felony charges related to exposing workers to cancer-linked chemicals, says a recent report by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office. Parter Medical Products Inc., its president Hormoz Foroughi, and manager Amine Elmaziati are accused of not only subjecting employees to high levels of ethylene oxide but also engaging in efforts to hide their actions through fraudulent documentation.
The allegations rose to the surface following a detailed investigation that involved the execution of a search warrant on July 17 by more than 20 members of the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the local Fire Department and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control. Parter Medical Products Inc. is operational in the manufacturing of medical devices, now under the shadow of possibly prioritizing profit over worker safety.
As detailed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, the charges include "failure to disclose a serious concealed danger; forgery; filing a false document; disposal of hazardous waste at an unpermitted site; and illegal storage of hazardous waste at a site without a permit." Each defendant could face up to six years in state prison if convicted on all counts. Furthermore, Foroughi and Elmaziati are likely to stare down a bail set at $125,000 per individual at their scheduled August 5 arraignment.
Despite the odorless nature of ethylene oxide and its undetectable presence until reaching harmful concentrations, justice seems to be forthcoming with this case, presenting itself as a stern warning to those in the business of handling hazardous materials. "This case sends a clear message: If you expose your workers to dangerous chemicals and then falsify records or mislead regulators, we will come after you," District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman was quoted as saying in the official statement. He emphasized the betrayal of public trust and the inherent risks these practices pose to life and safety.
The charges against Parter Medical Products Inc. and its officials are still just allegations at this point, and the defendants have the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. However, the situation appears grim for the company, as mounting evidence suggests a considerable breach of both ethical and legal standards. Prosecutors, with Assistant Head Deputy Daniel Wright of the Environmental Crimes Division at the helm, are sharpening their stance against environmental malpractices and corporate negligence, as the case number 25CMCF01293 progresses.
