⏱ 2 min read
Jennifer Mayo, a 47-year-old Aransas Pass resident, has been sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for smuggling over 60 rare Dong Tao chickens, also known as Dragon chickens, into the United States from Southeast Asia. The investigation began in 2023 after authorities discovered Facebook messages discussing Mayo’s plans to obtain Dong Tao chicken eggs from Vietnam, a region affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza. Mayo pleaded guilty on July 30, 2025, and was sentenced by U.S. District Judge David S. Morales, who noted that her conduct put a lot of animals at risk.
Mayo smuggled approximately 60 fertilized Dong Tao chicken eggs into the country by concealing them on her body and in her luggage, intending to hatch the birds and sell them for breeding, eggs, and meat. However, upon questioning, Mayo falsely claimed the chickens had died. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Mayo’s residence, where they discovered five surviving chickens suffering from disease, along with other dead and dying birds.
Due to the risk of spreading disease to other flocks, veterinarians determined the birds could not be removed from the property and were humanely euthanized. As part of her plea, Mayo admitted knowing the eggs could not be legally imported into the United States. The court heard additional testimony regarding the serious risk of disease that the poultry presented and Mayo’s repeated lies to law enforcement.
The sentence includes 24 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release. The case highlights the importance of enforcing laws related to the importation of animals and animal products to prevent the spread of diseases.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: White Collar Crime
- Defendant: Texas
- Location: TX
- Source: DOJ Press Release
