WASHINGTON – The US Department of Agriculture recently announced that it issued a complaint against Dan Colbert of Oklahoma for alleged violations of the Packers and Stockyard Act.

An Investigation by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) showed that from around Sept. 4, 2020, to April 14, 2021, Colbert operated without an adequate bond or bond equivalent.

During that time, Colbert purchased 1,313 head of livestock for $853,532.42 on commission for a packer.

“Every livestock market agency and dealer must file a registration and execute and maintain a bond applicable to the activity or activities in which the entity engages,” AMS said. “Operating without an adequate bond or bond equivalent is a violation of the P&S Act.”

The act authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to assess civil penalties up to $31,459 per violation against any person after notice and opportunity for hearing on the record.

The agency also noted that if the allegations are admitted or proven in an oral hearing, Colbert may be ordered to cease and desist from violating the P&S Act and assessed a civil penalty.