Business
Business

Peanut exec, facing prison risk in salmonella case, already wants out

By Matt Kempner
Sept 21, 2015

Stewart Parnell, the former owner of Peanut Corporation of America, is maneuvering to stay out of prison on appeal even as his sentencing hearing starts today in what could be a watershed case for food safety.

Last year, jurors found Parnell guilty on dozen of counts, including fraud and conspiracy tied to a salmonella outbreak that had Americans dumping peanut products from their homes in 2009. Nine people died and more than 700 fell ill after eating products tied to Parnell’s company. Jurors concluded he intentionally shipped out tainted peanut products from one of his plants in South Georgia.

Parnell could be hammered with a sentence tougher than what many white collar criminals get.

On Monday, the day his sentencing hearing was slated to start in south Georgia, Parnell’s attorney’s filed a motion seeking his release on bond from custody pending an appeal he plans to file. They argue Parnell isn’t a flight risk or a danger to the community and that the appeal is not being made solely for the purpose of delay.

To find out why Parnell's attorney says he shouldn't get hard time and what usually happens in white collar cases, check out the AJC's Unofficial Business column on myAJC.com.

About the Author

Matt Kempner is an award-winning journalist who seeks out intriguing twists about people and subjects beyond what the AJC might typically cover. A former columnist and editor, his past assignments have included business investigations, energy, the economy, entrepreneurs, big business, consumer spending, politics, government and the environment.

Follow Matt Kempner on facebookFollow Matt Kempner on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

The cotton jassid, an invasive insect native to India, is spreading in the state, posing a threat to multiple crops. The tiny green bugs can be distinguished by the single dark spots they have on each wing.(Courtesy of University of Georgia Extension Service)

Credit: Courtesy of University of Georgia Extension Service

New invasive pest spreading rapidly in Georgia, state officials warn

Georgia agriculture officials are warning farmers that an invasive pest is spreading rapidly in the state, posing a threat to cotton and other major crops.

Former AJC investigative editor recognized nationally for four-decade career

Lois Norder directed investigations exposing fraud and abuse in housing, health care, education and the prison system.

Tariff exemption’s end for small orders means higher costs, postal disruptions

The Trump administration is ending an exemption that has spared imports into the U.S. below the value of $800 from import duties.

The Latest

A long line of 2024 Bronco utility vehicles sit on display at Ford dealership in Denver. Automakers and dealerships can disguise price increases. (David Zalubowski/AP 2024)

Credit: AP

New car prices are going up, but you might not notice (yet)

OPINION

How to find car deals in times of tariffs

DATA SURGE

Data centers need a lot more juice. Georgia consumers fear being squeezed.

Featured

An aerial view captures a large area under construction for a new data center campus on Thursday, May 29, 2025. Developed by QTS, the data center campus near Fayetteville is one of the largest under construction in Georgia. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Georgia could restart regional energy, water reviews for data center proposals

Georgia is weighing rule changes to once again make certain data centers disclose information about their resource requirements to local planning authorities.

From Ponzi fallout to party power: Frost dynasty clings to Coweta GOP

By the end of the two-hour meeting, Brant Frost V had stepped down as Coweta County GOP chair. But in a show of his continued influence, he took on a new role.

After a decade of delays, $148M renovation to Cross Keys High begins

The $148 million project is expected to be completed in 2028. The school, which serves about 1,600 students, will remain open during construction.