Miami – The Miami-based seafood vice president, Dennis Dopico, has pleaded guilty for his involvement in a $8 million price-fixing conspiracy. According to court documents, Dopico conspired with competitors from 2023 to 2025 to fix prices for stone crab claws and spiny lobsters. This illegal activity resulted in fishermen in Florida losing out on fair market rates.
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones emphasized the importance of honest competition, stating that “Price fixing cheats fishermen, squeezes restaurants, and makes families pay more at the table.” The Antitrust Division’s Omeed Assefi echoed this sentiment, highlighting the impact on hardworking Americans.
Assistant Director Doug Ault from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service emphasized the seriousness of the crime, noting that price-fixing schemes threaten American businesses and the sustainability of valuable fisheries.
Dopico exchanged text messages and calls with co-conspirators to coordinate prices. He admitted to matching the agreed-upon prices in communications, which were intended to be confidential. The plea agreement reveals that Dopico’s involvement in the conspiracy was significant.
For his crime, Dopico faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $1 million fine under the Sherman Act. Sentencing is set for January 2026. The investigation is ongoing with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services leading the case.
The Antitrust Division’s Washington Criminal Section is prosecuting this case, and anyone with information can contact the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center at 888-647-3258 or visit www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations for more information.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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