For Immediate Release: Oct. 21, 2011
Contact: Carmen Fenton, 512-469-0171
RUSK, TEXAS – Convicted cattle thief Michael Bradberry, 52, Alto, was sentenced to 32 years in prison and $173,000 in restitution today by 2nd Judicial District Court Judge Dwight Phifer.
Bradberry was found guilty in August 2011 after an investigation led by Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) Special Ranger Jimmy Dickson revealed he had stolen more than $100,000 worth of cattle and money from his employer over a 2-year period.
Dickson praised District Attorney Elmer Beckworth for his aggressive prosecution and Judge Phifer for sentencing Bradburry appropriately.
“Rural theft is a very serious crime, and today we were able to send a clear message that, in Cherokee County, we don’t tolerate theft of any kind,” said Dickson.
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TSCRA has 30 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.
The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is a 134-year-old trade organization. As the largest and oldest livestock association in Texas, TSCRA represents more than 15,000 beef cattle producers, ranching families and businesses who manage approximately 4 million head of cattle on 79.5 million acres of range and pasture land, primarily in Texas and Oklahoma. TSCRA provides law enforcement and livestock inspection services, legislative and regulatory advocacy, industry news and information, insurance services and educational opportunities for its members and the industry.