Nadine Wilkins (202)720-8998Nadine.wilkins@ams.usda.gov
WASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2010 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has determined that Anne I. Thomas and Stephen N. Thomas were responsibly connected with Alex R. Thomas & Co., operating in Ukiah, Calif., which had been cited in the Dec. 2, 2009, press release for failure to pay a reparation award, which is a violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).
A responsibly connected person is defined under the PACA as a partner in a partnership; or an officer, director, or more than 10 percent stockholder of a corporation or association. When a company has had its PACA license suspended or revoked, or has been found to have committed violations, the responsibly connected individuals are automatically subject to employment and licensing restrictions in the fruit and vegetable industry.
USDA received documentation from Alexander R. Thomas III, which failed to prove that neither Anne I. Thomas nor Stephen N. Thomas were not responsibly connected individuals with Alex R. Thomas & Co. at the time the reparation order became final.
As a result of the final determination of their responsibly connected status on April 30, 2010, neither Anne I. Thomas nor Stephen N. Thomas can be licensed in the produce industry until April 30, 2012, and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.
In addition, neither individual may be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee unless the employing company posts a USDA-approved surety bond. After two years, or April 30, 2012, each is eligible to be employed or affiliated with any PACA licensee without the approved surety bond.
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