New York attorney general orders televangelist Jim Bakker to stop selling 'silver' coronavirus cure
Attorney General Letitia James sends a cease and desist letter to Jim Bakker saying there are currently no FDA-approved medicines or vaccines able to prevent or treat COVID-19.
As New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo declares a state of emergency amid a spike in coronavirus cases, the state's attorney general, Letitia James, is going after a Chrisitan televangelist for "false advertising."
A guest of The Jim Bakker Show on Feb. 12, Sherrill Sellman, was asked if the "Silver Solution," sold for $125 on his website, would be effective against the coronavirus.
"Let's say it hasn't been tested on this strain of the coronavirus," Sellman, a naturopathic doctor, is quoted as saying, "but it's been tested on other trains of the coronavirus and has been able to eliminate it within 12 hours."
MAJOR UNIVERSITIES CLOSE CLASSROOMS AMID CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK
Lisa Landau sent a "cease and desist" letter to Bakker, who has previously served jail time for federal fraud and conspiracy charges in the 90s, on March 3 giving him 10 business days to comply or possibly face a fine of $5,000 per violation.
"Your show's segment may mislead consumers as to the effectiveness of the Silver Solution product in protecting against the current outbreak," Landau wrote.
CORONAVIRUS CONFIRMED CASES AND FATALITIES, STATE BY STATE
The World Health Organization said there is no known FDA approved medicine or vaccine able to prevent or treat COVID-19 at this time.
“As we experience more cases of coronavirus, it is imperative that New Yorkers remain calm, but stay vigilant,” the attorney general said in a statement.
“In addition to being mindful about our health, we must also beware of unscrupulous actors who attempt to take advantage of this fear and anxiety to scam or deceive consumers. I encourage anyone who believes they are the victim of a scam or predatory action to contact my office and file a complaint," she added.
Jim Bakker (pictured in 2011) has been warned to stop advertising silver solution as an effective treatment for coronavirus (Michael Tran/FilmMagic)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Bakker served five years of a 45-year sentence for stealing millions from his ministry, The Praise the Lord Club. He was also accused of raping Jessica Hahn, a church's secretary, in the 1980s. Bakker testified that he had been set up, arguing that sex with Hahn was consensual.
True Crime
The hottest stories ripped from the headlines, from crime to courts, legal and scandal.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.
