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Arrests continue in cattle-rustling case

TCRA
Four men have been arrested as a result of the multi-agency investigation into cattle thefts in Northeast Texas during March 2014.

Another suspect in a Delta County and Fannin County cattle theft ring was arrested Apr. 4 on charges of organized criminal activity, according to a Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. Five suspects have been arrested after a string of cattle thefts in Delta and Fannin counties took place in March 2014.

Jonathan Jones, 20, of Cooper, was arrested March 24. John Green, 43, of Klondike, was arrested March 26. James Shaffer, 60, of Terrell, was arrested April 2. Terry Wynne, 51, of Terrell, was arrested April 2. Charles Damon Williams, 35, of Cooper, was arrested on April 3.

On March 18, authorities in Delta County received a call from one of the victim’s neighbors who witnessed a suspicious vehicle and trailer leaving the property. The witness was able to obtain a license plate number which led authorities to the suspects.

As many as 26 head of cattle were stolen in Delta County and 10 head in Fannin County.

Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Rangers Toney Hurley and Troy McKinney led the investigation. Hurley and McKinney were able to recover 32 of 36 head and return them back to the owners.

“This is a prime example of neighbors looking out for neighbors, which isn’t unusual in the ranching community,” Hurley said. “Because we were able to obtain information quickly from the neighbor and work with both the Delta and Fannin County Sheriff’s Offices, we were able to track down the stolen livestock and return most of them to the different victims.”

Investigations are continuing, and authorities expect more arrests, Hurley said. All suspects with the exception of Green have bonded out. Green is still in custody in Fannin County on a $105,000 bond. Once he bonds out he’ll be transferred to Delta County on more charges, Hurley said.

Mark Haslett has served at KETR since 2013. Since then, the station's news operation has enjoyed an increase in listener engagement and audience metrics, as well recognition in the Texas AP Broadcasters awards.