Idaho couple to be sentenced in organic alfalfa scam

BOISE – A southern Idaho couple is facing prison time in an organic alfalfa scam.

The Idaho Statesman reported Saul Farms co-owner Bernard Saul pleaded guilty Tuesday to wire fraud and money laundering. He could get as much as 20 years in prison on the fraud charge alone at his sentencing June 7.

Investigators say Saul bought alfalfa seed that was treated with fungicides and pesticides, upped the price by about $1.25 more per pound than the average nonorganic seed, and resold it as organic.

Saul agreed to forfeit property purchased with the proceeds.

His wife Roza Saul pleaded guilty Monday to selling a misbranded product and will be sentenced June 2. She faces as much as a year in prison.

Both are responsible for $1.9 million in victim restitution.