Louisiana Man Charged with Cattle Rustling… in 2024?

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In a story that sounds like it could be from Larry McMurtry's Lonesome Dove, a Louisiana man has been charged with cattle theft.  Ain't that a hangin' offense?

On March 19, 2023, inspectors with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) Livestock Brand Commission arrested Mufid Thabatah of Hammond, Louisiana, for theft of 168 head of livestock.   

The arrest was the result of a brand commission investigation that determined that on eight different occasions between September and November of 2023, 52-year-old Thabatah received livestock from a livestock market in Tangipahoa Parish but allegedly failed to pay for them in a timely manner.   

The estimated value of the livestock involved is in excess of $35,000. At this time, the livestock have not been recovered.  

“The law is specific when dealing with the purchase of livestock,” said LDAF Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M. “The failure or refusal to pay for livestock acquired is a crime and a violation of the theft of livestock statute.”  

The bond was set at $25,000 per count and $200,000 in total. If convicted, the suspect faces possible fines and jail time.   

Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Department assisted the Livestock Brand Commission in this investigation.   

The Livestock Brand Commission maintains a 24-hour Crimestoppers hotline at (800) 558-9741 for the public to report thefts or other agriculture-related crimes. All persons accused of crimes are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.