Joe W. Cooper is Ordered to Cease and Desist
WASHINGTON, February 13, 2008 - On December 28, 2007, the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) entered into a decision with Joe W. Cooper (Cooper), McCaulley, Texas. Cooper was ordered to cease and desist from:
- Failing to pay the full amount of livestock; and
- Issuing checks in payment for livestock purchases without having sufficient funds to cover checks.
Cooper is not to be registered as a dealer or market agency for five years. Cooper will be permitted to register as a dealer or market agency after this decision has been in effect for at least 200 days if Packers and Stockyards Program is satisfied that all livestock sellers named in the complaint have been paid.
The consent decision resolves charges that were filed on November 14, 2007, in which GIPSA alleged that Cooper:
- Purchased livestock and did not pay the full purchase price for the livestock;
- Issued checks in payment for livestock purchases without having sufficient funds to cover checks; and
- Was not registered as a dealer or market agency and engaged in business as a dealer without maintaining an adequate bond as required by the Packers and Stockyards (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.
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Catherine M. Grasso 202-720-7201
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