Brothers Stewart and Micheal Parnell are the most reviled characters from one of food safety’s worst tragedies, and they’ve been trying for an early release from prison going into their sixth year.
Stewart, 70, and Michael, 65, seemed close to getting a decision Sept. 26, 2024, when the U.S. Court
Continue Reading Parnell brothers begin the sixth year of seeking early release
By Darin Detwiler and Hal King
The past year has been defined by a troubling series of foodborne outbreaks and recalls, underscoring systemic weaknesses in the U.S. food safety system. From Listeria-contaminated deli products to E. coli-tainted produce, these incidents aren’t just unfortunate—they’re symptomatic of a larger issue: America’s predominantly
Continue Reading Breaking the cycle of food safety failures from 2024
Oral arguments were heard first thing Thursday morning in Atlanta at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit.
A three-judge panel heard back-to-back oral arguments on behalf of Michael and Stewart Parnell. Attorneys for each were given 15 minutes to make their case, and equal time was spent
Continue Reading Appellate judges hear Parnell brothers’ Habeas Corpus motions in Salmonella case
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit is ready to hear the back-to-back oral arguments on behalf of Michael and Stewart Parnell.
The brothers, once associated with a deadly Salmonella outbreak blamed on the now defunct Peanut Corporation of America, are asking for the vacation of their convictions
Continue Reading 11th Circuit is ready to hear oral arguments from Parnells in peanut butter case
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit has consolidated the cases of the brothers Stewart and Michael Parnell. The high court based in Atlanta granted Elliott M. Harding, attorney for Michael Parnell’s June 6 motion to consolidate the case.
It means that the 2255 Motions, filed separately by
Continue Reading Eleventh Circuit consolidates Stewart and Micheal Parnell cases for oral arguments
By Darin Detwiler
In reflecting on the evolution of food safety over the past three decades, we observe a landscape marked by significant and escalating legal actions against companies responsible for outbreaks and violations. The effectiveness of these penalties, especially monetary fines, in preventing future lapses in food safety, merits
Continue Reading Anticipating the inevitable: Predicting the next major food safety failure
Ten years after a jury trial convicted him of 31 charges, resulting in a 20-year federal prison sentence, peanut broker Michael Parnell, 65, has filed his opening brief in his appeal of that conviction and sentence with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit in Atlanta.
In the
Continue Reading Michael Parnell’s Habeus motion is now before the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals
Appellate attorney Amy Lee Copeland has provided the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit with Stewart Parnell’s Reply Brief. The reply is to the government’s opposition to Parnell’s 5-year-old motion for his release from federal custody.
“The parties’ briefs are ships that pass in the night,” Copeland wrote
Continue Reading 11th Circuit receives Parnell’s reply on his motion for an early release
He’s a senior citizen held for a white-collar crime, but the government has no interest in releasing him early to free up some cell space. On the contrary, an assistant U.S. Attorney filed a vigorous Appellee’s Brief in opposition to Stewart Parnell’s nearly 4-year petition seeking to overturn his conviction
Continue Reading Parnell’s appeal for early release should be denied, assistant U.S. Attorney argues
Stewart Parnell is the most reviled character from one of food safety’s worst tragedies.
By their convictions and sentencing, Stewart Parnell, 69, and brother Michael Parnell, 64, respectfully still have 15 and 8 years before their prison release dates.
Their jury convictions and trial judge rulings were all upheld by
Continue Reading Letter from the Editor: Stewart Parnell’s ride on the ‘Great Writ’ is about to start its 5th year.