Louisiana Man Arrested After Allegedly Stealing a Horse and Selling it on a Social Media Site

By Seraphina Frost
Published July 27, 2023

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Caddo Parish, Louisiana – A Louisiana man was arrested after allegedly stealing a horse and selling it on a social media site.

A man from Caddo Parish was taken into custody on July 24 by officials from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s Livestock Brand Commission. This arrest came about due to an inquiry conducted by the commission and a subsequent arrest warrant issued in Caddo Parish.

A 22-year-old man named Travious D. Johnson from Shreveport, Louisiana was apprehended due to a warrant for livestock theft. The LDAF Livestock Brand Commission’s investigation concluded that Johnson had reportedly unlawfully taken a Palomino horse from a pasture and stall site in Caddo Parish in August 2022, without the consent of the owner. It is alleged that Johnson then marketed the horse on social media and successfully sold it. Brand inspectors managed to track down the horse in Allen Parish and it was subsequently returned to its owner.

The Desoto Parish Sheriff’s Department apprehended Johnson without any issues and he was processed according to the arrest warrant. He was then transferred to Caddo Parish. Currently, his bail is established at $25,000.

“The LDAF always recommends that buyers use caution when purchasing livestock over social media or anytime you don’t know the person you are dealing with,” said Commissioner Mike Strain, DVM. “If you suspect foul play, please contact the Livestock Brand Commission, which investigates livestock theft and other agricultural crimes in the state.”

In this investigation, the Livestock Brand Commission received help from the Sheriff’s Departments of Desoto, Allen, and Caddo Parishes.

The Livestock Brand Commission operates a 24-hour Crimestoppers hotline, reachable at (800) 558-9741, which allows the public to report incidents of theft and other crimes related to agriculture.

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