Public Affairs
WASHINGTON, April 2, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a complaint against Marshel Riley (Riley), Jourdanton, Texas, on March 08, 2021, for alleged violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.
An investigation by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) revealed that from June 5 through Dec. 17, 2019, Riley operated as a dealer buying livestock in commerce when he received a commission for purchasing 75 head of livestock for $28,047. Riley engaged in business as a dealer buying livestock on commission in commerce without obtaining the necessary registration and bond or bond equivalent.
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 a 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 notice and opportunity for hearing on the record. If the allegations are admitted or proven in an oral hearing, Riley may be ordered to cease and desist from continuing violations of 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 Jeana Harbison, Packers and Stockyards Division, at (202) 720-7051, or by email at Jeana.M.Harbison@usda.gov.
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