An Iowa man is facing charges after he admitted to law enforcement that he operated an illegal meat and poultry slaughter operation for the past 20 years in Fayette County.
Ethan Guyer Jr., of Elgin, Iowa, was charged with second-degree theft, first-degree fraudulent practice and a meat and poultry license violation, according to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office social media post.
Two individuals reported hiring Guyer to slaughter steers and in turn, receive the processed meat. Instead, both told authorities that Guyer quit responding after the slaughter and failed to deliver the meat. The steers were valued at more than $2,400 each, KCRG 9 News says.
Reports say Guyer admitted to running an unlicensed operation for 20 years without inspection from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. In a written statement, he reported processing 150 cattle and 500 swine at 80 cents per pound, generating approximately $189,560. Officials added that none of the meat was inspected.
The Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) requires that all meat sold commercially be inspected and passed to ensure that it is safe, wholesome, and properly labeled. Establishments that produce meat products sold entirely within a state require federal inspection unless they are regulated under a State Meat and Poultry Inspection (MPI) program. These State MPI programs are required to enforce requirements “at least equal to” those imposed under the Federal Acts.
Guyer was released from the Fayette County Jail. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing and that additional charges may be filed.
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