An Austin man faces up to a decade in federal prison after admitting his role in a massive operation that sold over $8.4 million worth of volatile chemicals under the guise of household cleaning products.
Brett Sandy, 41, pleaded guilty in federal court Friday to two counts of criminal conspiracy involving the misbranding and illegal distribution of alkyl nitrites, popularly known as “poppers.”
Court records reveal that between early 2019 and February 2025, Sandy managed the books and customer relations for an Austin-based manufacturer.
While the company labeled its products with names like “Love Potion” and “Pumpkin Spice Latte” and marketed them as “tape cleaner,” Sandy admitted the labels were a ruse designed to bypass the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). In reality, the substances were sold specifically to be inhaled as recreational drugs.
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The danger behind the deception is significant. Federal officials noted that while these inhalants are often dismissed as party favors, they can lead to irregular heartbeats, permanent vision loss, and even death. In one instance, Sandy admitted to facilitating the sale of hundreds of bottles to a buyer who intended to distribute them as drugs at a “sexy singles party.”
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division emphasized that the defendant helped move millions of dollars in dangerous substances while concealing their true purpose.
“Yesterday’s plea reflects the Department’s 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,” Duva stated.
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The investigation, led by the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations, focused on how the company intentionally evaded federal safety requirements. Acting CPSC Chairman Peter A. Feldman noted that misrepresenting hazardous products to dodge the law is a criminal offense, stressing that the agency will continue to shut down such operations to protect the public.
Sandy pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and one count of conspiracy to violate the Consumer Product Safety Act.
Each count carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. While Sandy has admitted to the facts of the $8.4 million scheme, a federal district court judge will determine his final sentence at a later date.
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