For Immediate Release: March 31, 2012
Contact:  Marissa Patton, 512-469-0171

FORT WORTH, TEXAS – The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) named Elmer Beckworth the TSCRA Prosecutor of the Year for his commitment to prosecuting livestock theft and related crimes. Beckworth was honored at the association’s 135th annual convention and trade show.

Beckworth currently serves as the district attorney for Cherokee County. Beckworth was chosen for the award from a pool of finalists nominated by TSCRA’s Special Rangers.

TSCRA Special Ranger Jimmy Dickson, who nominated Beckworth for the award, said that Beckworth’s work has resulted in stiff convictions and that he has been responsible for thousands of dollars being paid back to theft victims.

Beckworth’s latest conviction for theft of cattle and money resulted in a sentence of 32 years and $173,000 in restitution.

“Elmer Beckworth takes rural crimes and crimes against the ranching community very seriously,” said Dickson. “We are lucky and proud to have him in our corner.”

###

TSCRA is a 135 year-old trade association and is the largest and oldest livestock organization based in Texas. TSCRA has more than 15,000 beef cattle operations, ranching families and businesses as members. These members represent approximately 50,000 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.