65-Year-Old Missouri Man Arrested for Alleged Livestock Theft in Louisiana

Louisiana. – A 65-year-old Missouri man has been arrested for alleged livestock theft in Louisiana. 

On March 15, 2023, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) stated that on March 14, a Missouri man was arrested for livestock theft in Allen Parish by the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Rural Crimes Investigative Unit. The arrest was made on a warrant following an inquiry by the Livestock Brand Commission of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry.

Bobbie G. Smith, also known as Bob Smith, 65, of Thayer, Missouri, was arrested on three counts of livestock theft based on a warrant acquired in Louisiana by LDAF Brand Inspectors.

According to an investigation conducted by LDAF's Brand Commission, Smith received livestock on three occasions totaling 70 head and reportedly failed to make proper payment to a local livestock market as required by law. The alleged theft took place in November and December of 2022.

“Louisiana’s livestock industry contributes significantly to the state’s economy,” said LDAF Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., “To protect producers’ property, LDAF’s Livestock Brand Commission inspectors investigate all aspects of farm-related crimes in the state, even when the alleged offender lives outside of Louisiana.”

Criminal investigators from the Missouri State Highway Patrol/Rural Crimes Investigation Unit and the 33rd Judicial District Attorney's Office supported the Livestock Brand Commission in this investigation.

Extradition to Louisiana is now pending. 

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

For the public to report thefts or other agricultural-related offenses, the Livestock Brand Commission operates a 24-hour Crimestoppers hotline at (800) 558-9741.