Single mother could face jail time for selling her ceviche on Facebook
STOCKTON, California -- A single mother is facing trial and potential jail time after she joined a community food group on Facebook and sold some of the meals she cooked -- something San Joaquin County officials say is against the law.
According to KTXL, Mariza Reulas was cited by San Joaquin County for selling an illegal substance, but it wasn't a powder, a pill or a plant. It was her bowl of homemade ceviche.
"It was just like, unreal that they were saying you could face up to a year in jail,” said Reulas.
A few years ago, Reulas joined a Facebook group called "209 Food Spot." According to Reulas, it's forum where people from the Stockton area shared recipes, organized potlucks and occasionally sold what they cooked.
"Somebody would be like, 'Oh I don't have anything to trade you but I would love to buy a plate,'" said Reulas.
On December 3rd, 2016, someone contacted Reulas, asking for a plate of her ceviche -- one of her signature dishes. That person was an undercover investigator from San Joaquin County. According to court documents, it was part of a sting -- because the majority of 209 Food Spot members didn’t have permits to sell their food.
Reulas, along with about a dozen others, were cited for two misdemeanors for operating a food facility and engaging in business without a permit. She refused a plea deal that would've netted three years probation. Now, the single mother of six is headed to trial and could end up in jail.
"I don't write the laws, I enforce them, and the legislature has felt that this is a crime,” said San Joaquin County Deputy District Attorney Kelly McDaniel.
McDaniel said selling any food not subject to health department inspection puts whoever eats it in real danger, not to mention, it undercuts business owners who do get permits to make their food.
She said the 209 Food Spot Facebook group was sent a warning before charges were handed down.
"Food prepared in a facility that does not inspect it creates a risk to the public,” said McDaniel.
When asked about what goes through her mind when she thinks of potential jail time, Reulas said: "My kids."
Without a father in their life, Reulas said the thought of having to leave her kids scares her. Every court appearance takes a toll on her youngest son, six-year-old Justice, she said.
"The night before he always asks like 'are you going to come back?'” said Reulas.
Of the people charged, Reulas is the only one whose case is headed to trial because she was the only person charged who refused to accept a plea from the district attorney.