Release No.: 061-19
WASHINGTON, May 29, 2019 – As part of its commitment to ensuring fair and competitive markets for the livestock, meat and poultry industries, on May 7, 2019, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) issued an administrative complaint against John B. Hagler (Hagler) of Missouri, for alleged violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.
An investigation by AMS revealed that from Aug. 25, 2015, through Oct. 27, 2015, in seven transactions involving 188 head of livestock, Hagler purchased livestock and falsified purchase prices to increase profits. Specifically, Hagler coordinated the falsification of prices on invoices that were higher than what was paid, and falsified invoices to add livestock not purchased through open bidding. Hagler wrongfully gained approximately $19,335 in additional receipts on these transactions from sellers.
Falsifying purchase prices on invoices and failing to fully disclose the true nature of the transaction to customers is an unfair or deceptive practice and is a violation of the P&S Act.
Hagler will have 20 days following receipt of the complaint to respond directly to the USDA Administrative Law Judge or be found in violation and subject to penalty.
The P&S Act authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to assess civil penalties up to $11,000 per violation against any person after notice and opportunity for a hearing on the record. If the allegations are admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, Hagler may be ordered to cease and desist from violating the (P&S) Act and assessed a civil penalty.
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 Stuart Frank, Packers and Stockyards Division, at (515) 323-2586, or by email at stuart.frank@usda.gov.
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