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 more information:
Stuart Frank
Tel: +1 (515) 323-2586
Email: stuart.frank@usda.gov