According to press reports tonight, the long-lasting court saga related to a 2016-2017 listeriosis outbreak from a local raw milk cheese manufacturer has come to its conclusion.

Johannes Vulto, founder and owner of Vulto Creamery LLC based in Walton, was sentenced in federal court on July 9 for his and the company’s connection to a listeriosis outbreak from the cheese produced by Vulto in 2016 and 2017 that resulted in the death of two people and the hospitalization of eight others.

Vulto, 64, pled guilty to one misdemeanor count of causing the introduction of adulterated food into interstate commerce back in March for the sale and distribution of raw cheese that contained the pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. Listeriosis, in some cases, can cause fevers, flu-like symptoms and even seizures.

Vulto Creamery founder pleads guilty in connection with 2016-2017 listeria outbreak
Today, Vulto was sentenced to three years probation and ordered to pay a $100,000 fine, along with 240 hours of mandated community services. Vulto Creamery LLC, which no is no longer in service, was sentenced to one year probation.

“This investigation and prosecution hold accountable the defendant and his business who through unsafe practices caused illness and death to consumers in an entirely preventable tragedy,” U.S. Attorney Carla B. Freedman said following the initial plea agreement in March, 2024.