Indian Ridge Seafood Company Fined for Illegal Oyster Sales

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – In a shocking case of seafood malfeasance, Indian Ridge Seafood Company, LLC, has been found guilty of violating the Lacey Act by selling oysters in interstate commerce. The Terrebonne Parish-based company was sentenced to a fine of $10,000 and a special assessment of $125.

According to court records, from January 1, 2017 through March 19, 2019, Indian Ridge Seafood did knowingly sell and transport oysters in interstate commerce with a market value in excess of $350.00. During this period, the company failed to report to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries approximately 14,346 sacks of Louisiana oysters, valued at approximately $656,865.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of Law Enforcement, the Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations, and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in investigating this matter.

Assistant United States Attorney Julia K. Evans is in charge of the prosecution. Indian Ridge Seafood Company’s actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the laws of the State of Louisiana, specifically, Louisiana Revised Statutes, R.S. 56:306.4; R.S. 56:306.5; R.S. and 56:306.6. The company’s failure to comply with these regulations has resulted in a significant financial penalty.

The sentence imposed on Indian Ridge Seafood Company serves as a reminder that those who engage in such activities will be held accountable. The company’s actions not only harm the environment but also compromise the public’s trust in the seafood industry.

Indian Ridge Seafood Company, LLC, a Louisiana Limited Liability Company, was sentenced on March 19, 2019, in U.S. District Court before Judge Susie Morgan.

Defendant: Indian Ridge Seafood Company, LLC

Criminal Charges: Violation of the Lacey Act

City and State: New Orleans, Louisiana

Exact Date: March 19, 2019

Sentence: Fine of $10,000 and special assessment of $125

Dollar Amounts: $10,000 fine, $125 special assessment, $656,865 value of oysters, $350 market value of oysters

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

White Collar Crime

Richard David Reece, Violating Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Indiana 2008

Mar 20, 2007

White Collar Crime

Abdul Al-Karriem, Identity Theft, Virginia 2025

Jan 15, 2025

White Collar Crime

Robert Haer, Wire Fraud, Nevada 2001

Jan 15, 2001

White Collar Crime

Olivera Losalo, Money Laundering, New York 2021

Jan 15, 2021