FORT WORTH, Texas (July 2, 2026) — A multi-county investigation by Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Rangers resulted in the arrest of two individuals accused of using hot checks to fraudulently purchase more than $30,000 in livestock from eight auction markets across Central and Southeast Texas.
Janay Monique Smith, 45, of Pattison, was arrested May 27 by the Waller County Sheriff’s Office on three theft of livestock warrants obtained during the investigation. She surrendered June 29 to the Jasper County Jail on an additional theft of livestock warrant.
Douglas James Smith, 59, of Pattison, was arrested June 23 by the Lake Jackson Police Department with assistance from the Waller County Sheriff’s Office after authorities made several attempts to locate him.
Both are charged with multiple counts of theft of livestock, a third-degree felony
Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Rangers Mike Boone, Nathan Hale, Kenny Murchison, Chace Fryar, Brent Mast and Todd Jennings launched the investigation after receiving reports of livestock purchased with hot checks at area auction markets. Special rangers compared cases across multiple jurisdictions and identified a pattern linking the fraudulent purchases to the two suspects.
The investigation is ongoing.
TSCRA thanks the Waller County Sheriff’s Office and the Lake Jackson Police Department for their assistance throughout the investigation.
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