Tahlequah man arrested in embezzlement of cattle

A Tahlequah, Okla., man was arrested Tuesday and charged with the embezzlement of 18 head of cattle that were placed in his care by a local rancher. TSCRA Special Ranger John Cummings led the investigation with assistance from Special Ranger Bart Perrier.
According to Cummings, the suspect, Walter F. “Andy” Andrews, 44, of Tahlequah, was caring for the victim’s cattle from February 2015 to May 2015. The suspect was grazing the cattle on land he was leasing in Cherokee County. Andrews allegedly removed the cattle from the pasture and sold them at local sale barns without the owner’s permission.
During the time the cattle were cared for by Andrews, attempts to view and count the cattle were delayed or impeded. The investigation revealed Andrews sold the cattle in his name and kept proceeds in excess of $25,000 for his personal use. Andrews was arrested by Cummings and booked into the Cherokee County jail. Bond on his felony warrant was set at $10,000.
“This case serves as a reminder for ranchers to remain diligent in seeing and accurately counting their cattle on a regular basis, especially if they are being cared for and grazed on someone else’s property,” said Cummings.
TSCRA would like to thank Undersheriff Jason Chennault and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance during this investigation.