Sublette County targets theft
After an incident earlier this year where a Texas man was charged with cattle rustling amounting to $1.5 million in losses and recovery of 900 head of cattle, Sublette County geared up to prevent livestock theft as much as possible.
On Jan. 4 this year, Tulare County, Texas Sheriff Mike Boudreaux conducted a press conference on the arrest of Justin Tyler Greer for stealing cattle, investment fraud and embezzlement.
“This is 21st-century cattle rustling and embezzlement at the highest level,” Boudreaux said.
The case extended back to June 13, 2017, when seven victims provided statements and evidence showing a combined loss of $1.5 million connected to Greer, who had been a widely known and respected cattleman in Tulare County.
According to reports, Greer bought and sold large numbers of cattle regularly, and he managed several cattle herds across the county. Additionally, Greer managed cattle owned by ranchers in California, Colorado and Wyoming, namely Sublette County.
During the investigation, 900 head of cattle were sent to Wyoming by Greer, which were illegally placed on pasture, according to Boudreaux.
Since Sublette County was intimately connected to the incident, Sublette County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) has continued to work with the Wyoming Livestock Board to protect ranchers against livestock theft.
On May 18, SCSO conducted its first mandatory livestock inspection check on U.S. Highway 191, with the assistance of Wyoming Highway Patrol and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
“It is SCSO’s goal to help deter illegal activity and prevent theft of livestock in Sublette County,” said Sheriff KC Lehr. “I’m also hoping to gain feedback from local ranchers on these efforts, as I don’t want to place an undue burden on ranchers or their livelihood.”
Lehr added during the checks they did not issue citations unless “blatant violations” were observed.
“We are educating people on carrying the proper permits, health papers and vaccinations and documenting what livestock is coming in and going out of Sublette County,” he continued. “We hope to continue to have these livestock checks at random times and places around the county to help offset reports of missing cattle in and around Sublette County.”
Saige Albert, managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup, compiled this article. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
