GIPSA Alleges Hanson and Morgan Livestock, Inc., dba Greenbrier Valley Livestock Market and W. Dean Hanson Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act
WASHINGTON, March 21, 2008 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has found evidence that Hanson and Morgan Livestock, Inc. (Hanson and Morgan) doing business as Greenbrier Valley Livestock Market under the management, direction, and control of W. Dean Hanson (W. Hanson), Lewisburg, West Virginia:
On January 22, 2008, GIPSA filed a complaint against Congelosi. If the allegations are admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, Congelosi may be ordered to cease and desist from violating the P&S Act, suspended and assessed a civil penalty.
- did not properly maintain their Custodial Account for Shippers' Proceeds endangering the payment to owners and livestock sellers;
- failed to deposit in their custodial account, in a timely fashion, an amount equal to the proceeds received from the sale of consigned livestock; and
- misused the custodial account by paying bank charges, transferring funds to their general expense account, and making payments against a line of credit tied to their custodial account.
On February 26, 2008, GIPSA filed a complaint against Hanson and Morgan and W. Hanson. If the allegations are admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, Hanson and Morgan and W. Hanson may be ordered to cease and desist from violating the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act, suspended and assessed a civil penalty.
Hanson and Morgan is currently registered as a market agency to sell livestock on commission. It is engaged in the business of selling livestock in commerce on a commission basis under the name Greenbrier Valley Livestock Market.
W. Hanson is not individually registered with the Secretary of Agriculture in any capacity under 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. #
Catherine M. Grasso 202-720-7201
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