BILOXI, MS – Mary Mahoney’s Old French House, a Gulf Coast institution known for its rich history and fine dining, has been sentenced in federal court for a seafood fraud scheme that shocked the Mississippi Coast. The restaurant, along with co-owner Anthony “Tony” Cvitanovich, pleaded guilty earlier this year to conspiring to mislabel imported seafood as fresh Gulf fish, defrauding thousands of loyal customers over several years.
The case culminated Monday as U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden handed down penalties aimed at restoring accountability to the beloved restaurant while highlighting the broader impacts of the fraudulent practices.
A Breach of Trust
The restaurant admitted to selling over 29 tons of imported frozen seafood — sourced from Africa, India, and South America — as premium Gulf fish between 2013 and 2019. These items, including lake perch, triggerfish, and unicorn filefish, were falsely labeled as Gulf red snapper and redfish on Mahoney’s menu. Customers unknowingly paid a premium price for dishes such as “Stuffed Snapper” and “Snapper Bienville,” which have since been renamed.
Prosecutors calculated that the restaurant served approximately 55,500 mislabeled meals, overcharging customers by an average of $2.62 per plate. The scheme came to light in November 2019 when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration raided the restaurant as part of a broader investigation into seafood mislabeling.
Sentences and Fines
As part of the sentencing, Mary Mahoney’s agreed to forfeit $1.35 million in profits derived from the fraud, which must be paid within five days of the final court order. The restaurant was also placed on probation for five years and fined $149,000.
Anthony Cvitanovich, who began overseeing seafood purchases in 2016, received a sentence of four months’ home confinement, three years’ probation, and a $10,000 fine. Both Cvitanovich and the restaurant cooperated with investigators, ceasing the fraudulent practices after the FDA raid in 2019.
Impact on the Community
The court highlighted the wider implications of the crime, which breached the trust of Mahoney’s customers, disadvantaged honest seafood suppliers, and economically harmed local fishermen. The restaurant must now maintain detailed records of its seafood sourcing for five years, ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
Supplier Sentencing Still to Come
The scandal extended beyond Mahoney’s. Quality Poultry & Seafood, the Biloxi-based supplier at the center of the conspiracy, also pleaded guilty and is scheduled for sentencing on December 11. The company has agreed to forfeit $1 million and pay $150,000 in fines. Key employees, including owner Clell Rosetti, also face penalties for their role in the fraud.
Rebuilding Trust
Mary Mahoney’s, a cornerstone of Biloxi’s culinary scene since its opening in 1964, faces the challenge of restoring its reputation. Family members have renamed the fraudulent menu items and pledged transparency in their operations. However, the legacy of the scandal remains a reminder of the importance of honesty in business practices.
For a restaurant synonymous with Gulf Coast tradition, the road to rebuilding trust will likely be a long one.
