FAYETTE COUNTY, IOWA — An Iowa man was recently arrested after he admitted to operating an illegal meat and poultry slaughter operation over the past 20 years in the town of Elgin.

The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office confirmed it charged Ethan Guyer Jr., last week on second-degree theft, first-degree fraudulent practice and a meat and poultry licensing violation which was a misdemeanor.

Local reports stated that two people reported to law enforcement that it hired Guyer to slaughter steers and deliver the meat back to the customers.

Law enforcement said in the criminal complaints that the men tried multiple times to reach Guyer when the slaughter was finished but did not receive a response. Both steers were worth $2,400.

The sheriff’s office added Guyer admitted to operating his business without a license from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Guyer also did not have the meat inspected.

His written statement to the police stated he made $189,560 from slaughtering and processing 150 beef and 500 swine for 80¢ per lb.

The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office explained the investigation is ongoing with more charges that could possibly be filed.