Florida Man Charged in Illegal Horsemeat Sale Case

The arrest follows an extensive investigation into the illegal horsemeat trade in Hillsborough County.
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A Tampa man is facing felony charges after allegedly selling horsemeat for human consumption to undercover law enforcement personnel. The arrest follows an extensive investigation into the illegal horsemeat trade in Hillsborough County, according to Det. Larry McKinnon, public information officer for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office

According a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department affidavit, on Feb. 19, Jorge Ortega allegedly sold a 40-pound bag of horse meat intended for human consumption to undercover law enforcement personnel in exchange for $160 in cash. Subsequent laboratory testing confirmed that the meat was derived from a horse, the document said.

McKinnon said that on Nov. 6, Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Ortega charging him with felony sale of horsemeat for human consumption. Under Florida law, Ortega could face mandatory minimum penalties of $3,500 in fines and one year in prison, and maximum penalties of five years in prison and $5,000 in fines

Ortega was unavailable for comment

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Written by:

Pat Raia is a veteran journalist who enjoys covering equine welfare, industry, and news. In her spare time, she enjoys riding her Tennessee Walking Horse, Sonny.

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