• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

To Honor and Protect the Ranching Way of Life

  • Home
  • Who We Are
    • Why Join
    • Leadership
    • Staff
    • TSCRA Partners
    • FAQs
    • Newsroom
    • Sponsorships
    • Employment
  • What We Do
    • Theft and Law
    • Issues and Policy
    • Education
    • Young Cattle Raisers
    • The Cattleman Magazine
    • Disaster Relief Fund
    • Cattle Raisers Insurance
    • Cattle Raisers Trading Co
    • Students and Youth
  • Events
    • Cattle Raisers Convention
    • Summer Meeting
    • Policy Conference
    • Ranch Gatherings
    • Ranching 101
  • Join
  • Member Center
  • TSCRA Store
  • Show Search
Hide Search

Jernigan Convicted, Sentenced in Bull Theft

WHEELER, Texas — Jaimie “Jim Bob” Jernigan, 46, pled guilty to charges of theft of livestock and obstruction, both third-degree felonies. The charges are the result of an investigation conducted by Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) Special Ranger Ben Eggleston.
In May 2015, Eggleston was contacted by an area cattle raiser and the Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office. He was advised that three months prior, the cattle raiser had made a verbal agreement with Jernigan to sell a bull and return the proceeds of the sale. Jernigan took possession of the bull in February 2015 and reportedly sold it in Colorado soon after. However, he never returned the earnings to the rancher as promised. The bull’s owner and local law enforcement officers contacted Jernigan several times to resolve the matter, but without success.
Eggleston continued the investigation, and contacted Colorado brand inspection authorities in an attempt to locate the bull. He soon received word from a Colorado brand inspector, who located the bull and confirmed that it had indeed been purchased by private treaty in the state. After confirming the animal’s identity, Eggleston and local law enforcement personally traveled to Colorado to take possession of the stolen bull. Within little more than week, Eggleston had returned the bull to its rightful owner.
Jernigan was subsequently charged with theft of livestock and obstruction or retaliation. The case was brought to a close on Sept. 21, 2017, when he entered a guilty plea on both counts. The case was adjudicated in the 31st District Court, Wheeler County, Texas, and presided over by Judge Steven Emmert. As a condition of the plea bargain, Jernigan received deferred sentences of 10 years on the theft of livestock charge, and four years on the obstruction charge. He was also ordered to pay restitution, fines and court costs totaling more than $5,200.
“It often takes a team effort to investigate and prosecute these crimes, and this case was no exception,” said Eggleston. “I would like to thank everyone who assisted with the investigation, especially the Wheeler, Lipscomb and Hemphill County Sheriff’s Offices, as well as Colorado Brand Inspection Director Cris Whitney and Inspectors Dan Buhr and Deb Vernon.”
###

Written by:
Jaclyn Roberts
Published on:
October 4, 2017

Categories: News Releases, Theft & Law

Recent Posts

2023 Cattle Raisers Roundup attendees announced by Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

June 2, 2023

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) selected 24 young beef industry leaders …

Continue Reading about 2023 Cattle Raisers Roundup attendees announced by Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Texas direct hay report for June 2

June 2, 2023

Compared to the last report: Hay prices continue to remain firm in all regions. First cutting of …

Continue Reading about Texas direct hay report for June 2

Texas, Oklahoma weekly livestock auction summaries for June 2

June 2, 2023

Texas Compared to last week: Feeder steers and heifers sold mostly steady to 5.00 higher. Trade …

Continue Reading about Texas, Oklahoma weekly livestock auction summaries for June 2

Footer

Who We Are

Why Join
Leadership
Staff
TSCRA Partners
FAQs
Newsroom
Sponsorships
Employment

What We Do

Theft and Law
Issues and Policy
Education
Young Cattle Raisers
The Cattleman Magazine
Cattle Raisers Insurance
Cattle Raisers Trading Co.
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Information

Cattle Raisers Blog
News Releases
Bereavements
Events
Media Kit
Tip Hotline
Get Involved
Links

Membership

Membership Center
Membership Center Instructions
Join
Renew
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

PO BOX 101988
FORT WORTH, TX 76185

1-800-242-7820

© 2023 Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association; All Rights Reserved.

COPYRIGHT | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS OF USE