A Texas woman was taken into federal custody for allegedly smuggling eggs and poultry into the United States.
According to a press release from The United States Attorney’s Office, Jennifer Mayo, 46, Aransas Pass, Texas, turned herself into authorities on June 27 and was scheduled for a court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Julie Hampton.
The court alleges Mayo smuggled Dong Tao chicken eggs into the United States between August 1, 2023, and September 15, 2023. Dong Tao is a rare Vietnamese chicken breed.
She is also charged with illegal importation and transfer of merchandise, as the allegedly facilitated the transportation and concealment of the eggs and also some hatchlings.
According to the indictment, returned May 22, it is illegal to import poultry into the United States from regions where highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) or Newcastle disease exist in commercial poultry populations.
The indictment also includes a notice of forfeiture for the chickens and eggs.
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.
The United States Department of Agriculture conducted the investigation with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Liesel Roscher is prosecuting the case.
