United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that SHELL BEACH SEAFOOD CO., LLC (“SHELL BEACH SEAFOOD"), a company based in St. Bernard, Louisiana, pled guilty today to a one-count Bill of Information for the illegal sale of blue crabs, in violation of the Lacey Act.
According to the Information, from on or about May 1, 2012 through March 30, 2013, SHELL BEACH SEAFOOD, did knowingly sell and transport blue crabs in interstate commerce with a market value in excess of $350 when, in the exercise of due care, SHELL BEACH SEAFOOD should have known that said blue crabs were acquired and possessed in violation of and in a manner unlawful under the laws of the State of Louisiana, specifically Louisiana Revised Statutes, R.S. 56:306.4, R.S. 56:306.5, and R.S. 56:306.6.
SHELL BEACH SEAFOOD faces a maximum fine of not more than $200,000, and a special assessment of $125.
Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for Aug. 16, 2018, before U.S. District Court Judge Eldon E. Fallon.
The case was investigated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Sharan E. Lieberman of the Fraud Section.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
