Jennifer Mayo, Smuggling Rare Vietnamese Chickens, Texas 2023

Corpus Christi, Texas – A shocking case of animal smuggling has come to light in the Lone Star State. Jennifer Mayo, a 46-year-old resident of Aransas Pass, has been taken into federal custody for smuggling rare Vietnamese chickens into the United States.

According to the indictment, returned on May 22, it is illegal to import poultry into the United States from regions where pathogenic avian influenza or Newcastle disease exist in commercial poultry populations unless specific conditions are met.

However, the charges allege that Mayo smuggled merchandise into the United States contrary to law. From August 1, 2023, to September 15, 2023, Mayo allegedly imported and brought into the United States Dong Tao Chicken eggs.

Mayo is also charged with illegal importation and transfer of merchandise. She allegedly facilitated the transportation and concealment of merchandise imported contrary to law – Dong Tao chicken eggs and hatchlings.

As part of the investigation, authorities seized the chickens mentioned in the indictment. Due to their health, they had to be euthanized and are being held pending further investigation and evaluation.

If convicted, Mayo faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Liesel Roscher is prosecuting the case.