In an interview, Parnell expressed exasperation and said he wants the pending criminal investigation resolved — one way or another.
“They just say we’re still investigating,’’ Parnell said. “I feel like I wish they’d come on and do what they’re going to do. I’d like to get this behind me.’’
Parnell also said he has been directed by his lawyers not to discuss his case with family members of the nine people who died in the salmonella outbreak blamed on his processed peanuts.
“My lawyers will not let me say anything or I’d be in front of every one of them personally,’’ Parnell said.
Republican Representative Greg Walden of Oregon, who brought a jar of Parnell’s peanuts to the congressional hearing last year and asked him if he would eat them, said Wednesday that he hopes a thorough investigation is being conducted.
“Families that lost loved ones in this preventable outbreak deserve some sense of justice, especially as those responsible are continuing on with business as usual,’’ he said. “This sure doesn’t sound like swift and certain justice, which is disappointing for all sides.’’
Michigan Representative Bart Stupak, the Democratic chairman of the House Energy and Commerce investigations subcommittee, also on Wednesday urged the government to conclude the investigation as soon as possible.
Family members of some of the victims who died say they are eager to see Parnell behind bars.
“My God, when are we going to hold anyone responsible?’’ said Jeff Almer, whose mother, Shirley Almer, was the first known death from the outbreak in Minnesota. “So far to this day, nothing’s happened to this man. I think every person in America who was affected by this, every family who lost someone, deserves to hear the truth from this guy.’’
A federal judge in Virginia earlier this month approved a $12 million insurance settlement for Almer’s family and more than 100 other salmonella victims.
