Authorities in Texas, Missouri and California recently arrested three individuals in separate cases involving livestock theft and agricultural fraud.
Brandon Wiginton of Tyler, TX, was arrested on felony theft charges tied to more than $96,000 in stolen hay and related revenue in Cherokee and Smith counties. Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association special rangers led the multi-year investigation, which resulted in grand jury indictments for theft and misapplication of fiduciary property. Wiginton later surrendered and was released on bond.
In Missouri, Melvin Fincher of Rolla was arrested following an investigation into multiple cattle thefts across several counties. Authorities say evidence connected him to livestock theft incidents in Polk, Barry and Phelps counties.
Separately, federal authorities arrested Joshua Link at Los Angeles International Airport for his alleged role in a nationwide cattle contract fraud scheme with Agridime that reportedly caused $115 million in losses to more than 2,000 buyers. Link was charged with 10 counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and two counts of money laundering.
