Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation Pleads Guilty To Price Fixing, Sentenced To A $107 Million Criminal Fine
First Corporation Pleads Guilty In Ongoing Criminal Antitrust Investigation Into Broiler Chicken Industry
Denver, Colorado – Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation (Pilgrim’s), a major broiler chicken producer based in Greeley, Colorado, has pleaded guilty and has been sentenced to pay approximately $107 million in criminal fines for its participation in a conspiracy to fix prices and rig bids for broiler chicken products, the Department of Justice announced today.
According to the plea agreement entered in the U.S. District Court in Denver, from as early as 2012 and continuing at least into 2017, Pilgrim’s participated in a conspiracy to suppress and eliminate competition for sales of broiler chicken products in the United States that affected at least $361 million in Pilgrim’s sales of broiler chicken products.
The District Court accepted Pilgrim’s guilty plea and sentenced the company to pay a criminal fine of $107,923,572.
“Today’s guilty plea demonstrates our unwavering commitment to prosecuting companies that violate the nation’s antitrust laws, especially when it involves something as central to everyday life as the food we eat,” said Richard Powers, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. “This guilty plea is a direct result of the tireless efforts of our dedicated career prosecutors and staff, and partners at the FBI, Commerce Office of Inspector General (OIG) and USDA OIG.”
“Today’s plea is another example of the FBI’s ongoing work to eliminate bid rigging and price fixing and hold those conducting these activities accountable for their actions,” said Steven M. D’Antuono, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office. “These criminal acts cheat American workers and consumers while harming competitive markets. This ongoing investigation has yielded charges against 10 individuals for their efforts to illegally manipulate broiler chicken prices, and the FBI is committed to continuing this important work alongside the Department of Justice and our partners.”
“This investigation demonstrates the government’s resolve to protect the integrity of free and open market competition,” said Peggy E. Gustafson, Inspector General of the Department of Commerce. “When competitor companies conspire to set prices that benefit themselves, American consumers are cheated. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to pursue such illegal activity and ensure perpetrators are held accountable. We greatly appreciate the efforts of the Department of Justice, FBI and USDA OIG on this investigation.”
“We appreciate the ongoing commitment and concerted efforts of our law enforcement partners at the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division, the FBI, and the Department of Commerce OIG to investigate a long running scheme affecting competition through the rigging of bids and price fixing of broiler chicken products,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Bethanne M. Dinkins of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) OIG. “During these uncertain times, USDA OIG will continue to dedicate resources and prioritize work that benefits hard working Americans through competitive prices for agricultural producers and fairness in pricing and quality of agricultural products for consumers.”
Pilgrim’s is the first company to plead guilty for its role in a conspiracy to fix prices and rig bids for broiler chicken products. Broiler chickens are chickens raised for human consumption and sold to grocers and restaurants. Ten executives and employees at major broiler chicken producers have also previously been charged. The investigation remains ongoing.
A violation of the Sherman Act carries a maximum penalty of a $100 million fine for corporations. The maximum fine may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime, if either of those amounts is greater than the statutory maximum fine.
This case is the result of an ongoing federal antitrust investigation into price fixing, bid rigging, and other anticompetitive conduct in the broiler chicken industry, which is being conducted by the Antitrust Division with the assistance of the U.S. Department of Commerce OIG, FBI Washington Field Office, and USDA OIG. Special thanks to U.S. Attorney Jason R. Dunn and Assistant U.S. Attorney Hetal Doshi from the District of Colorado for their assistance. Anyone with information on price fixing, bid rigging, or other anticompetitive conduct related to the broiler chicken industry should contact the Antitrust Division’s Citizen Complaint Center at 1-888-647-3258 or visit www.justice.gov/atr/contact/newcase.html.
Former Enloe State Bank President Sentenced To 8 Years In Federal Prison For Conspiracy To Commit Bank Fraud, Arson
SHERMAN, Texas – A former bank president has been sentenced to federal prison for violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting United States Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei today.
Anita Gail Moody, 57, of Cooper, Texas pleaded guilty on June 5, 2020, to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and arson and was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III. Moody has additionally agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $11,136,241.82.
According to information presented in court, on May 11, 2019, while Moody was President of Enloe State Bank in Cooper, Texas, the bank suffered a fire that investigators later determined to be arson. The fire was contained to the bank’s boardroom, however the entire bank suffered smoke damage. Investigation revealed that several files had been purposefully stacked on the boardroom table, all of which were burned in the fire. Notably, the bank was scheduled for a review by the Texas Department of Banking the very next day. Further investigation revealed Moody had created false nominee loans in the names of several people, including actual bank customers. Moody eventually admitted to setting the fire in the boardroom to conceal her criminal activity concerning the false loans. She also admitted to using the fraudulently obtained money to fund her boyfriend’s business, other businesses of friends, and her own lifestyle. The fraudulent activity, which began in 2012, resulted in a loss to the bank of approximately 11 million dollars.
“Criminal conduct that affects the financial health of a small, local lender can send a negative ripple effect throughout the entire community,” said Acting United States Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. “The Eastern District of Texas will vigorously prosecute cases, such as the one here, that undermine public confidence in our local banks. We are also deeply appreciative of the excellent investigative work of the FDIC Office of the Inspector General, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in bringing this matter to a close.”
Jeannie Swaim, who served as vice president of Enloe State Bank, and who was also involved in fraudulent conduct, was previously sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment, and agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $410,675.18.
This case was investigated by the FDIC-OIG and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Maureen Smith and Wes Wynne.
Lady Cats Golf Team Has Make Up Tournament Wednesday
The Lady Cats Golf Team has a make up tournament Wednesday, Feb. 24 for one postponed last Thursday by snow and ice. The Lady Cats are playing at a Lindale sponsored tournament at Garden Valley Golf Club in Lindale. It’s the second tournament for the Lady Cats this semester. They also competed as individuals at Eagle’s Bluff in Bullard back on February 9. Lady Cats won that tournament shooting a 78.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Wildcats Basketball Faces Midlothian in Area Game Thursday
Details have been firmed up for the Wildcats Basketball Team’s Area round game. The Wildcats will be playing Midlothian Thursday night, Feb. 25 at 8 P.M. at Athens. The Wildcats enter the game with a season record of 18-9 after their 59-51 bi-district win over Jacksonville Monday night at Hallsville. The Wildcats are the #2 seed in District 15-5A. Midlothian has a season mark of 21-5. Their 11-1 district record made them District 14-5A’s #1 seed. Midlothian defeated Forney in bi-district play, 76-56 Tuesday night in Lancaster.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
FEC Does Not Anticipate Increase Above Current Electric Rates Due To Recent Winter Weather
Cooperative Strives For Consistent, Long-Term Rate Stability
GREENVILLE – Members have been asking how the record-breaking cold weather event that took place Feb. 14-19 may impact upcoming bills. We know usage increases as the temperatures drop, which results in above normal energy bills for this time of the year. The cooperative does not expect, however, members to see an increase above current electric rates due to this winter event.
The rate for Farmers Electric Cooperative members for March 2021 is 0.10759-cents per kWh. This is the same as the rate for February 2021. Farmers EC has been around for more than 80 years and has seen how natural disasters impact energy prices. We still remember the impact of Hurricanes Rita and Katrina on the price of electricity. That’s why we embrace long-term rate stability and strive to be consistent.
We know usage increases in winter, then starts to decrease with the mild spring weather. We have tools to help members recover from the extreme weather event. Budget Billing helps to even out monthly bills, so your payments stay more consistent by avoiding seasonal peaks. We also encourage members to use our HVAC tune-up rebate to have their heat and air systems inspected after being used to overcome at least a 50-degree temperature gap at times. We understand if members need additional time to pay their bill. Our Member Care team can help find a solution that fits any budget. The Farmers EC Member Care team is available by calling 903.455.1715 during business hours.
Farmers Electric Cooperative only charges you for the energy you use. We believe in member service innovation and putting members first. At Farmers EC, you’re a member, not a meter. That’s why, as we recover from the rotating outages and the historic cold weather, we will continue to work with our state legislators, power supplier, and our fellow Texas electric cooperatives to protect the rights of electric consumers. Working together, we will advocate for meaningful reforms to ensure that future extreme weather events do not put members at risk.
Scales, Pipes And Methamphetamine Found Following A South Broadway Street Traffic Stop
Crack and methamphetamine pipes, scales and suspected meth were found following a South Broadway Street traffic stop Tuesday afternoon, resulting in one controlled substance arrest, according to police reports.
A 40-year-old Sulphur Springs woman caught police attention for failure to drive in a single lane while texting on a cell phone and was notably nervous when stopped by Sulphur Springs police in the 1200 block of South Broadway Street around 2:50 p.m. Feb. 23. After finding two scales with suspected methamphetamine on them in the Toyota Venza, officers obtained permission to search the room she has been staying in at a South Broadway Street inn, Sulphur Springs Police Special Crimes Unit Lt. Mark Estes and Sgt. Joe Scott alleged in arrest reports.
The SCU investigators had received information about suspected narcotics distribution coming from that room. The woman accompanied police to the room, where officers allegedly found two crack pipes, a methamphetamine pipe and a bag containing a small amount of methamphetamine.
Consequently, Tiffany Dawn McCrary was arrested at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 23, 2021 by SCU officers on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge.
McCrary remained in Hopkins County jail Wednesday morning, Feb. 24, awaiting arraignment on the felony charge. Tuesday is the second time the Sulphur Springs woman has been jailed in Hopkins County on a possession charge; she was jailed Aug. 14, 2018, for possession of drug paraphernalia and on a theft warrant.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
Great Turnout for 2021 Hopkins County FFA Ag Mechanics Show
Close to 100 county high school FFA students filled up the Hopkins County Civic Center arena on February 23, 2021 showing their Ag Mechanics projects. Six Hopkins County schools participated; Sulphur Springs, Cumby, Miller Grove, Saltillo, Como-Pickton and North Hopkins. Congratulations on the hard work and teamwork displayed by each student during the construction of their projects.
Trooper Caught Man Assaulting Woman In Vehicle
A 34-year-old Sulphur Springs man resident was arrested after a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper caught the man assaulting a woman in a vehicle Monday night, according to arrest reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Department received a 911 call just before 8:30 p.m. Feb. 22 from a state trooper who reported seeing a man in a white Ford F-150 pickup assaulting a female who was inside the truck at a restaurant in the 100 block of East Shannon Road. Officers, using the information given, were able to locate the pair at the man’s Carter Street residence.
Because of the sworn statement of the peace officer that he observed the alleged assault, officers took the man into custody on a Class A misdemeanor assault causing bodily injury to a family or household member charge. The woman he was alleged to have assaulted was at the location and did have bodily injury.
KSST does not publish the names or photos of people charged with misdemeanor crimes in staff-generated reports, only those accused of felony offenses.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Time To Register For the 32rd Annual Hopkins County Golf Tournament
By Lezley Brown, President/CEO, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce
Great news! It’s time to register to play golf in the 32nd Annual Hopkins County Golf Tournament! We are mailing registration forms to our members this week. If you are interested in playing, call the Chamber at (903) 885-6515 to reserve your spot. We will have morning and afternoon tee times available, but they go fast! The tourney is set for Friday, April 9. It’s going to be a great day!
Babe is hosting a ribbon cutting celebration
Babe is hosting a ribbon cutting celebration on Thursday, February 25th at noon. They are located at 215 B Main Street in Sulphur Springs and specialize in women’s clothing. Please make plans to attend!
Charleston Sky is hosting a Look & Book
Charleston Sky, a local venue, is hosting a Look & Book Open House on February 28th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The address is 4274 Farm to Market Road 895, Cooper, Tx, 75432. For more information, visit their website at www.charlestonsky.com or call Carol at 903-303-2711.
Business Highlight
The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce is highlighting a member of the Chamber each week. Please join me in congratulating our Business of the Week for February 25th, 4-Paws Pet Grooming. You can read biographical stories at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page and Instagram page.
Free Bottled Water Available Wednesday For Families In North Hopkins Area
Hopkins County Emergency Management Coordinator Andy Endsley reported 20 more pallets of bottle water were trucked Tuesday afternoon to FM 71 at State Highway 19 north. Officials returned Wednesday morning, Feb. 24, to distribute by the case free bottled water to assist local residents who still have low water pressure, no water or are still under a boil water notice from 3 p.m. and after Tuesday.
