Johnny Ray Simmons, 52, of Stilwell, OK, faces six counts of embezzlement in Harper County, OK. The charges are the result of an investigation conducted by Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger Brett Wellden.
The investigation was initiated in 2017 after Wellden was contacted by the victim, who stated that he and Simmons had partnered on a herd of cattle pastured on tribal lease lands in northeastern Oklahoma. When the lease expired, the victim moved the cattle from the property and alleged that 103 were missing.
Through the course of the investigation, it was also discovered that Simmons failed, for several years, to pay the victim for calf crops as required by their agreement. A warrant was issued for Simmons’ arrest Aug. 29 and he surrendered to authorities on Sept. 12, 2018.
Simmons was subsequently booked into the Harper County Jail and released on a $150,000 bond. He faces six counts of felony embezzlement, each of which carries a potential sentence of 10 years in prison, fines of up to $10,000 and restitution to the victim.
