USDA Issues a Default Decision Against Marshel Riley for Violation of the Packers and Stockyards Act

WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2021 –The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a Decision and Order Without Hearing by Reason of Default against Marshel Riley (Riley) of Jourdanton, Texas, on Aug. 18, 2021, for violation of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.

An investigation by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service revealed that from June 5, 2019, through Dec. 17, 2019, Riley operated as a dealer buying livestock in commerce when he received $87 in 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.

Under the Default Decision and Order, Riley was ordered to cease and desist from operating without being properly registered and bonded as required by the P&S Act. Riley is prohibited from registering for 30 days and thereafter until properly bonded.  Riley must pay a civil penalty of $6,000.

The P&S Act requires that 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 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 Kraig Roesch, Packers and Stockyards Division, at (303) 375-4291, or by email at kraig.roesch@usda.gov.

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