CHANDLER, Okla. — A Lincoln County man surrendered to authorities this week on one count of obtaining merchandise by bogus check/false pretenses.

Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) Special Ranger Bart Perrier conducted the investigation with the assistance of fellow Special Ranger Brett Wellden.

On Nov. 10, 2016 the suspect, Ethan Charles Lee, 26, of Chandler, Okla. purchased 35 pairs of cattle for more than $85,000. He provided payment to the victim, a Sallisaw, Okla. rancher, by way of personal check. It was later discovered the check was issued on a closed account.

Lee surrendered and was taken into custody Feb. 7, 2017 on one count of obtaining merchandise by bogus check/false pretenses. He was booked into the Lincoln County jail and subsequently posted bail.

The investigation continues and more charges and arrests are possible as additional information is revealed.

“This case should serve as notice to would-be criminals that we will not tolerate the defrauding of ranchers,” said Perrier. “I look forward to finalizing the investigation and ensuring that justice is served.”

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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.

TSCRA is a 140-year-old trade association and is the largest and oldest livestock organization based in Texas. TSCRA has more than 17,500 beef cattle operations, ranching families and businesses as members. These members represent approximately 55,000 individuals directly involved in ranching and beef production who manage 4 million head of cattle on 76 million acres of range and pasture land primarily in Texas and Oklahoma, but throughout the Southwest.

For more TSCRA news releases, visit tscra.org.