Postville: Feds go after Rubashkin trademarks, other property

Sad, sad news for those who want to profit from illegal activity:

Federal authorities have upped the ante for Agriprocessors and four former members of plant management. Not only will the parties face the penalties originally outlined in a Nov. 21 indictment, but they may have to forfeit a host of items that have been defined as proceeds of criminal activity.

The modified indictment, which was filed today in federal court in Cedar Rapids, specifies that the Agriprocessors, Inc. corporate name, trademarks and corporate stock are subject to forfeiture. The trademarks would include such well-known brands as Iowa Best Beef, Shor Habor, Aaron’s Best and Rubashkin.

Sholom M. Rubashkin, son of company founder A. Aaron Rubashkin and a former chief executive at the Postville plant, remains in federal custody pending trial in this case and others. He is charged with various immigration and bank fraud-related charges.

Brent Beebe, Hosam Amara, and Zeev Levi, all former members of plant management, also face immigration-related charges. Amara and Levi fled the jurisdiction after a May 12 immigration raid at the plant and are currently been sought by Immigration and Customs Enforcement...

Thu, 12/11/2008 - 20:55 · · Importance: 9