A Richland County, ND, judge has sentenced Daniel Wayne Dockter of Colfax to 10 years in prison, with eight years suspended, after he pleaded guilty to stealing more than 130 head of cattle.
Dockter will serve two years in custody, followed by three years of supervised probation, and must pay $341,000 in restitution to two producers. Authorities said Dockter was caring for the cattle under share agreements before the animals disappeared. Investigators determined his claim that the cattle had been moved to a South Dakota feedlot was false.
The investigation was led by North Dakota Stockmen’s Association (NDSA) Deputy Brand Inspector Nick Marolt with assistance from state and local law enforcement. NDSA President Randy Schmitt said the sentence reinforces the importance of protecting livestock producers and their operations.
