WASHINGTON, April 7, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) filed a complaint against Brandon Jones and Cassandra Chapman dba Jones Livestock of Wauseon, Ohio, on March 6, 2025, for alleged violations of the Packers and Stockyard (P&S) Act.
A USDA Agricultural Marketing Service investigation revealed Jones Livestock failed to pay timely for 496 head of livestock, valued at $336,388 in November and December 2022. In addition, Jones Livestock failed to keep adequate records and issued nonsufficient funds checks for livestock purchases which were subsequently paid in full.
The P&S Act requires subject entities to issue the full payment for livestock by the close of the first business day following purchase and transfer of possession. Failure to issue payment timely for livestock purchases and failure to issue the full payment for purchases is an unfair trade practice and a violation of the P&S Act.
The Secretary of Agriculture has authority under the P&S Act to act against violators, including issuing orders to cease and desist, suspending registrations, and applying other appropriate remedies as authorized by the Act.
For information about the P&S Act, contact Amy Blechinger, Packers and Stockyards Division, at (202) 720-7051 or by email at Amy.R.Blechinger@usda.gov.
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