TSCRA pays out $1,000 reward through Operation Cow Thief program

FORT WORTH, Texas, May 12, 2008—An Oklahoma auction market employee is the first to receive a reward through Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association's Operation Cow Thief, a program introduced last year to reward those who offer information leading to the arrest and/or grand jury indictment of individuals for theft of livestock or related property.

The informant, who wishes to remain anonymous, provided valuable tips to TSCRA Special Rangers Scott Williamson and Ben Eggleston, who were able to recover 13 head of cattle and account for 60 more head, totaling 73 head of cattle valued at about $32,000. Dale Ritchie has pleaded guilty while Earl Colbert Jr. and Lethal Wiseman Jr. have been indicted in Hardeman County, Texas, and await trial. All three are charged with felony theft and organized criminal activity with a possible sentence of up to 20 years.

Williamson, who is the supervisor for the special rangers in region 1, said he is proud to see the first success of the reward program.

"We look forward to getting more public awareness for TSCRA’s Operation Cow Thief reward system," he said. "We can accomplish so much more with the eyes and ears of the public and we are proud to have Operation Cow Thief in place for citizens to give their information and to be rewarded for their involvement to stop criminal activity."

To provide information or to donate to TSCRA's Operation Cow Thief, call 888/830-2333. Informants may remain anonymous.

TSCRA has 28 special rangers stationed strategically throughout Texas and Oklahoma who have in-depth knowledge of the cattle industry and are trained in all facets of law enforcement. All are commissioned as Special Rangers by the Texas Department of Public Safety and/or the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is a 131-year-old trade organization whose 15,000 members manage approximately 3.7 million cattle on 96.5 million acres of range and pasture land, primarily in Texas and Oklahoma. TSCRA provides law enforcement services, livestock inspection, legislative and regulatory advocacy and education opportunities for its members.

TSCRA–20–2008