Conspiracy To Mislabel Means Plea Deal

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — An Illinois-based seafood distributor has pleaded guilty in Louisiana to conspiring to mislabel commercially-sold shrimp.

Federal prosecutors say Worldwide Shrimp Company, of Highland Park, entered the plea Tuesday before U.S. District Judge Jay Zainey in New Orleans.

Court documents say the company distributed shrimp to supermarkets, retail stores and other wholesale seafood providers throughout the United States under four brands: Shrimp King, Texas Supreme, Black Diamond and Campeche Queen.

From November 2007 to December 2008, Worldwide sent Mexican-caught shrimp to Doran Seafood, LLC, of Independence, La., which would package the shrimp, including illegally affixing "Product of U.S.A." labels, and distribute it under the "Shrimp King" brand. Prosecutors say both companies were aware the shrimp was of Mexican origin.

Sentencing is set for Sept. 4.