A Kay County commissioner has turned himself in after he was indicted on 10 felony charges from the Multi-County Grand Jury. Shane Douglas Jones, 36, is charged with one count of larceny of livestock and nine counts of branding with intent to defraud.
According to investigators, Jones was hired by a cattle auction facility to transport livestock between January 1 and February 12. The indictment states that Jones took at least nine cows and branded them as his own.
“Cattle theft is a serious crime that undermines Oklahoma’s agricultural industry,” said Attorney General Gentner Drummond. “We aren’t afraid to vigorously prosecute those who steal livestock, regardless of their position in the community.”
If convicted, Jones faces 3-10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $500,000 for one count of larceny of livestock. The other nine counts of branding with intent to defraud are punishable with 3-10 years in prison or a fine of $500-$1,000 for each count.
Every person arrested or indicted is presumed innocent unless and until convicted in a court of law.
The Oklahoma Cattlemens association had this statement on the matter: “Cattle theft isn’t an old west issue. Unfortunately, it is present today and with high cattle prices, cattle raisers are at greater risk of theft. OCA greatly appreciates AG Drummond for tackling this issue head on and making a strong statement that cattle theft will be strongly prosecuted in Oklahoma.”
