WASHINGTON, April 02, 2021 – On April 02, 2021, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) issued an administrative complaint to Marshel Riley (Riley), Jourdanton, Texas, for alleged violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.
An investigation by AMS revealed that from June 5, 2019, through Dec. 17, 2019, Riley operated as a market agency buying livestock on commission when he received $87 in commission for purchasing 75 head for $28,047. Riley engaged in business as a market agency buying livestock on commission in commerce without obtaining the necessary registration and bond or bond equivalent. commissions from these transactions totaled $87.86.
Every market agency, packer and dealer must execute and maintain a bond applicable to the activity or activities in which the entity engages. Operating without an adequate bond or bond equivalent is in violation of the P&S Act.
The P&S Act authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to assess civil penalties up to $28,061 per violation against any person after the notice and opportunity for hearing on the record. USDA may offer alleged violators the option of waiving their right to a hearing and enter into a stipulation agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations.
The P&S Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat and poultry industries.
For further information about the Packers and Stockyards Act, contact Jeana Harbison, Packers and Stockyards Division, at (202) 720-7051, or by email at Jeana.M.Harbison@usda.gov.
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