USDA Issues a Packers and Stockyards Complaint against Edward Sekerak

WASHINGTON, July 19, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a complaint against Edward Sekerak doing business as SEK Livestock Marketing, Columbus, Pa., on June 20, 2024, for alleged violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.<_o3a_p>

An investigation by USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service revealed that between April 7 and May 2, 2022, Edward Sekerak failed to pay timely for 265 head of livestock totaling $134,357 and he issued a $62,075.39 check, which was returned unpaid for non-sufficient funds.<_o3a_p>

As of June 20, 2024, he still owes $123,643.<_o3a_p>

The P&S Act requires subject entities to issue full payment for livestock by the close of the first business day following purchase and transfer of possession. Failure to timely pay for livestock purchases and failure to issue the full payment for purchases is an unfair trade practice and a violation of the P&S Act.<_o3a_p>

The P&S Act authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to assess civil penalties up to $34,995 per violation against any person after notice and opportunity for a hearing on the record. If the allegations are admitted or proven in an oral hearing, Edward Sekerak may be ordered to cease and desist from continuing violations of the P&S Act and assessed a civil penalty.<_o3a_p>

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.<_o3a_p>

For further information about the Packers and Stockyards Act, contact Amy Blechinger, Packers and Stockyards Division, at (202) 720-5877 or by email at [email protected].

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