For Immediate Release: August 25, 2011
Contact: Carmen Fenton, 512-469-0171
QUANAH, TEXAS – A Hardeman County jury today sentenced a Henderson County man to 99 years in prison and a $10,000 fine for cattle theft.
Carl Wade Curry, 44, was convicted of stealing 421 head of cattle in Mississippi worth more than $215,000.
Curry was arrested in April 2010 by TSCRA Special Rangers Scott Williamson and Marvin Wills after he created a fraudulent identity and purchased cattle. He laundered the cattle across multiple state lines. At one time they were held in Hardeman County where charges were filed.
“This sentence sends a strong message that in Texas, and especially in Hardeman County, we protect our agricultural community and we do not tolerate cattle theft,” Williamson said.
Curry has been sentenced to 20 years in prison on prior cattle theft charges. District Judge Dan Mike Byrd stacked the 99-year sentence with his 20-year sentence. Williamson said that by stacking the sentences, Judge Byrd was standing behind the jury’s decision and honoring their message.
“TSCRA would like to especially thank District Attorney Staley Heatly and his staff for their diligent work to make a strong case,” Williamson said. “Heatly’s argument about the seriousness of cattle theft painted a clear picture to the jury just how devastating this crime is to the Texas cattle industry.
“Cattle raisers would also like to thank the jury for understanding the importance of sending the message that in Texas, we will fight to protect our farmers and ranchers,” Williamson continued.
Trials are still pending on 2 cattle theft charges in Louisiana and 5 more in Texas.
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.
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