Justice Department launches investigation after Delaware family sickened in U.S. Virgin Islands

The Justice Department is launching a criminal investigation into the company responsible for spraying a chemical that sickened a Delaware family while they were on vacation.

The family was on vacation in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Steve Esmond, his wife, Dr. Theresa Devine, and their two teenage boys were poisoned by the powerful pesticide methyl bromide, when it was sprayed in their room.

The two boys, Sean and Ryan, are in critical condition at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Their father is in stable condition while their mother is improving.

Officials say a local branch of Terminex was to blame.

The toxic pesticide that was used was banned by the EPA for indoor residential use in 1984.

The family's attorneys released the following statement on Monday:

The Esmond family thanks everyone for their support and concern for their recovery from this unthinkable tragedy of pesticide poisoning during a family vacation in the United States Virgin Islands. Many questions remain why an odorless pesticide of this level of toxicity could be manufactured, distributed and applied in a residential area, resulting in this family's injuries.

Theresa Devine has been discharged and is doing well. Stephen Esmond is improving and stable. The minor boys remain in critical condition. They are confident in their medical professionals and are hopeful for a full recovery. The family asks that their privacy be respected during this period of recuperation.

The family is grateful for the work of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Justice and the local authorities for their investigation of this chemical exposure. The family is confident that the responsible parties will be brought to justice and held accountable.