Waurika, Okla. – An Ardmore, Okla., man was convicted on Dec. 16, 2014 after knowingly concealing stolen property (cattle) in Jefferson County. Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) Special Ranger Bart Perrier led the investigation.
Cody Wayne Blalock, 28, was convicted after he sold two steers, in the summer of 2014, to subjects who resided in Jefferson County. The steers in question were stolen from the Speake Ranch, located near Ardmore, Okla. Both of the steers were branded with the victim’s state registered brand, which aided in the quick identification and recovery of the cattle. The stolen steers have been returned to the victim.
“This case highlights that branding livestock is an invaluable tool for law enforcement to quickly locate, identify and recover stolen livestock,” said Perrier.
On Dec. 16, 2014 Blalock pled guilty to a five year suspended sentence along with a $500 fine and $1,000 in restitution. Blalock is also required to complete 100 hours of community service.
TSCRA would like to thank Lt. Derek Helmke of the Carter County Sheriff’s Office for his work and assistance during this investigation.
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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 138-year-old trade association and is the largest and oldest livestock organization based in Texas. TSCRA has more than 16,500 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.