Release No.: 017-19
WASHINGTON, Feb. 15, 2019 – On Dec. 17, 2018, Gary Wedel, a dealer buying and selling livestock on commission subject to the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act , entered into a Consent Decree with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma on Feb. 7, 2019. The Consent Decree permanently enjoins Gary Wedel from: (1) engaging in business, within the meaning of the P&S Act, as a market agency or dealer without being properly registered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and (2) engaging in business, within the meaning of the P&S Act, as a market agency or dealer without posting an adequate bond or bond equivalent.
Gary Wedel was ordered to show proof of proper registration, obtain an adequate bond or bond equivalent, and pay a civil penalty of $16,862 with $50,000 held in abeyance for five years. He agreed to immediately post an initial bond of $50,000 that will be periodically reviewed based upon his business transactions consistent with the P&S Act. He also agreed to cooperate with P&S Agents, including allowing them to inspect his business records, calculate the appropriate bond and ensure compliance with the P&S Act and the terms of the Consent Decree. In addition, Mr. Wedel must maintain his dealer records separately from his feeding operation's records and in a manner that fully and correctly discloses all transactions relating to his dealer and/or buying on commission activities.
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, Director, Packers and Stockyards Division, Fair Trade Practices Program at (515) 323-2586, or by email at Stuart.Frank@usda.gov.
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