Louisiana Man Arrested by Livestock Brand Commission for Crimes Involving Saddles

Louisiana – On November 23, 2022, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s (LDAF) Livestock Brand Commission reported that on November 21, a Pointe Coupee Parish man was arrested by Brand Inspectors.

The arrest was made in response to a warrant issued by Pointe Coupee Parish following an investigation by the Livestock Brand Commission.

Calvin Ray Polk, Jr., 21, of Lottie, Louisiana, was arrested on a warrant for simple burglary. Polk allegedly entered a barn in Pointe Coupee Parish illegally and took two western roping saddles worth $3,600, according to an inquiry by the LDAF's Livestock Brand Commission. One of the saddles was recovered during the ensuing investigation, and further material was obtained that warrants ongoing investigations in other jurisdictions. As a result of this investigation, more arrests are expected. Polk was previously apprehended by Livestock Brand Inspectors in March 2021 for his role in a livestock theft case in Iberville Parish.

Polk surrendered without incident to the Pointe Coupee Parish Sheriff's Department and was booked on the warrant. There is currently no bond in place.

“The good news is that LDAF’s Livestock Brand Inspectors were able to make this case and facilitate additional investigations as a result,” said LDAF Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M. “Unfortunately, saddles remain a popular target for thieves. That’s why our saddle microchipping program is so important. We’ve hosted several events this year and will continue to offer this free service to saddle owners in Louisiana.”

The sheriff's departments in Pointe Coupee and Saint Landry parishes aided the Livestock Brand Commission in this inquiry.

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. Call 225-935-2150 if you're interested in the Livestock Brand Commission's saddle microchipping clinics.

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