News Releases

Parter Medical Products Inc. is accused of failing to act, even after learning that
some employees had been exposed to hazardous levels of ethylene oxide

COMPTON, CA — Five felony charges have been filed against Parter Medical Products Inc., doing business as Parter Sterilization Services, and its president and manager for allegedly exposing workers to a toxic chemical linked to cancer, then attempting to cover up the danger by filing false documents and concealing critical safety risks from regulators.

On July 17, the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant at the Parter Medical Products Inc. facility in Carson.

“This case sends a clear message: If you expose your workers to dangerous chemicals and then falsify records or mislead regulators, we will come after you,” District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. “Ethylene oxide is linked to cancer and other serious health risks. Companies that cut corners and conceal hazards not only endanger lives, they violate the public’s trust. We will hold them accountable, and any business that thinks otherwise should consider this a warning.”

Hormoz Foroughi (dob 6/25/64) of Newport Beach and Amine Elmaziati (dob 8/19/81) of Long Beach each face one felony count of failure to disclose a serious concealed danger; forgery; filing a false document; disposal of hazardous waste at an unpermitted site; and illegal storage of hazardous waste at a site without a permit.

Arraignment is scheduled for Aug. 5 in Department 12 of the Compton Courthouse. Prosecutors are seeking $125,000 bail for each defendant. If convicted as charged, Foroughi and Elmaziati each face up to six years in state prison.

More than 20 members of the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation, in coordination with the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, executed a search warrant on July 17 at Parter Medical Products Inc. in Carson.

Ethylene oxide is a hazardous gas linked to cancer, reproductive harm, and neurological damage. It is colorless, and its odor is undetectable until it reaches harmful concentrations. Despite being aware that some employees were exposed to elevated levels of the chemical, the company is accused of failing to take adequate steps to mitigate the danger and then attempting to mask the risk through falsified documentation and illegal waste practices.

Case 25CMCF01293 is being prosecuted by Assistant Head Deputy Daniel Wright of the Environmental Crimes Division and investigated by the Bureau of Investigation.

The charges filed in this case are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.