Release No.: 144-18
WASHINGTON, Oct. 12, 2018 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a complaint against John P. McGraw (McGraw), Marshall, Missouri, for alleged violations of the Packers and Stockyards Act (P&S Act).
A USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) investigation found McGraw, a registered livestock dealer, engaged in unfair and deceptive practices by generating or causing to be generated purchase invoices with false information involving livestock in violation of the P&S Act. If the allegations are admitted or proven in an oral hearing, McGraw may be ordered to cease and desist from violating the P&S Act, be suspended from operating as a livestock dealer, and/or be assessed a civil penalty.
The P&S Act authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to assess civil penalties of not more than $28,061 per count against any person who violates the law after notice and opportunity for hearing on the record.
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, Fair Trade Practices Program, Packers and Stockyards Division, at (515) 323-2586, or by email at stuart.frank@usda.gov.
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