Washington ( CNN ) -- Four former officials of the now-closed Peanut Corporation of America were indicted Thursday on charges related to salmonella-tainted peanuts and peanut products , the Justice Department said . A 2009 salmonella outbreak that prompted a massive recall of peanut goods led to nine deaths and more than 700 illnesses in more than 40 states , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . The 76-count indictment , unsealed in Georgia , alleged mail and wire fraud , the introduction of adulterated and misbranded food into interstate commerce with the intent to defraud or mislead , and conspiracy . A plant in Blakely , Georgia , roasted and processed raw peanuts . Its peanut paste was sold to customers nationwide and used in crackers , cookies , and other items . The Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) said the company shipped tainted product it knew had tested positive for bacteria linked to the salmonella outbreak . U.S. Attorney Michael Moore of Macon said the accused are expected to appear in court in Albany next week . The defendants were identified as Stewart Parnell , 58 , of Lynchburg , Virginia ; Michael Parnell , 54 , of Midlothian , Virginia ; Samuel Lightsey , 48 , of Blakely ; and Mary Wilkerson , 39 , of Edison , Georgia . Three of the four were also charged with obstruction of justice , Justice Department officials said . Authorities said Daniel Kilgore , 44 , of Blakely pleaded guilty to similar counts this week . Food recalls are common , but criminal indictments around them are not . Charges in this case appear to have been prompted , in part , by the defendants ' alleged knowledge of the salmonella-tainted product shipment and an alleged cover-up . Those charged could face stiff jail terms , if convicted .
Indictment charges hundreds former officials of FDA . NEW : Peanut Corporation of America said plant shipped tainted peanut paste that wound up in crackers , other foods . NEW : Salmonella outbreak in 58 blamed for four deaths , hundreds of illnesses . NEW : Food recalls are common , but criminal charges around them are rare .