Brittany Hunter – Tuesday, November 08, 2016 – at FEE

vercriminalization has gotten out of control in this country. Most regular Americans have no idea they unwittingly commit three felonies a day on average. As a result, even without explicit criminal intent, individuals are forced to pay extreme fines and some even face jail time.

From the persecution of child-run lemonade stands to the crackdown on potlucks, everyday citizens are treated like criminals for behavior that has traditionally played a huge role in our American way of life. Now, a single mother in Stockton, California is facing a year behind bars for accepting compensation for a home-cooked meal.

Mariza Reulas was unaware that she was breaking any laws when she joined the 209 Food Spot Facebook group a few years ago. The group, which exists for local community members to buy and sell homemade food, has become a target of local law enforcement over the years since most group members do not possess the proper government licenses required to accept compensation for their food.

While many of Reulas’ transactions were trade-based, bartering home-cooked meals for other legal items, there were occasions when group members were interested in her famous homemade ceviche, but had nothing to trade. Instead, they offered to pay for the meal. Reulas spoke to a local Fox news affiliate saying, “Somebody would be like, ‘Oh I don’t have anything to trade you but I would love to buy a plate.’”

According to the Deputy District Attorney, Reulas’s unregulated competition hurts the restaurant industry and those who have obtained the proper permits.Reulas’ motives do not appear to be malicious in any way, but her willingness to accept compensation for her meals caught the attention of an undercover investigator from San Joaquin County. According to court documents, a “sting” operation was arranged to catch Reulas in the act of selling her homemade ceviche…. read more here