Several poultry executives were indicted the first week of June on counts of price fixation and bid rigging.
Since then, the executives from Claxton Poultry Farms and Pilgrim’s Pride have pleaded not guilty. Pilgrim’s Pride President and CEO Jayson Penn, former vice president of Pilgrim’s Pride Fresh Foodservice Roger Austin, Claxton Poultry Farms President Mikell Fries, and Vice President of National Accounts Scott Brady were among the executives indicted.
The charges came following an investigation by the Department of Justice. If convicted, the executives will face a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a $1 million fine.
“The allegations attributed to our company are without merit and we intend to vigorously defend our company and its good name as this process moves forward,” a statement from Claxton Poultry read.
“We will not comment further on the allegations other than to say that since our small start in 1949, we have adhered to the highest standards of food quality, professionalism, integrity and good faith in all our operations.”
The indictment comes at a time during which the big four packers in the beef industry are also undergoing an investigation by the Department of Justice.
