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March 30, 2009

Cherokee County man accused of ‘ag-related’ theft

Staff report

Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger Jimmy Dickson’s investigation has led to the arrest of an Alto-area man for second-degree felony theft of more than $100,000.

Michael Bradberry surrendered Feb. 17 at the Cherokee County Jail and has bonded out. A second-degree felony conviction is punishable with a jail sentence of no less than two years and no more than 20 years and/or a fine not to exceed $10,000.

According to reports, Bradberry was hired by the victim in 2008 to oversee his ranching operation while he was out of the country. The victim had sent money to Bradberry to purchase cattle, and Bradberry told the victim through e-mail he had bought 109 head of cattle.

When the victim returned, Bradberry showed him the cattle, which were on the victim’s land, Dickson said.

In February, Dickson said the victim said he caught Bradberry in a lie and became suspicious. The gate to the victim’s property was locked and a sign was placed, stating to call the victim if anyone needed to get on the property for any reason.

Another Cherokee County rancher called, wanting to know why the gate was locked. The rancher said he had leased the land from Bradberry a year ago. The cattle on the property actually belonged to the rancher leasing to the property, not to the victim, the rancher said.

Bradberry is also suspected of stealing and selling numerous pieces of ranching equipment, as well as the money he received to purchase the cattle, according to reports.

“This is an ongoing investigation,” Dickson said. “Additional charges could be filed against the suspect if more equipment is recovered. The sad thing is there could be more victims in this case who purchased the stolen equipment in good faith. Those victims stand to lose their equipment and the money they paid for it.”

Dickson said he and the other special rangers for the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association have seen an increase in “ag-related crimes” over the last several months.

“I’m working several big cases, which are more fraud-type cases,” Dickson said. “You sure better check out who you’re dealing with, especially if you’re an absentee owner. Check their background. You’ve got to stay on top of it.”

The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is a 132-year-old trad organization that has 29 special rangers stationed strategically throughout Texas and Oklahoma commissioned by the Texas Department of Public Safety and/or the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. The association provides law enforcement services, livestock inspection, legislative and regulatory advocacy and educational opportunities for its members.

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