⏱ 2 min read
The indictment, which was unsealed on July 8, 2026, charges Aguiluz with two counts of smuggling. If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The case highlights the risks of importing and selling shellfish from countries that do not meet US water quality standards. El Salvador is not listed on the Interstate Certified Shellfish Shippers List (ICSSL), which is maintained by the Food and Drug Administration.
Aguiluz entered a plea of not guilty to the charges and is scheduled to go to trial on August 31, 2026. The case is being prosecuted by the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas. The investigation was conducted by NOAA, with assistance from the Arkansas Department of Health and the FDA.
The smuggling of clams from El Salvador poses a significant risk to public health, as the clams can carry diseases and toxins. The US has strict regulations in place to ensure that shellfish are safe for consumption, and the importation of clams from non-approved countries is a serious offense.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: White Collar Crime
- Defendant: Arkansas
- Location: AR
- Source: DOJ Press Release
