Louisiana Man Arrested for the Alleged Theft of Over 1,200 Bushels of Soybeans

Morehouse Parish, Louisiana – A Louisiana man has been arrested for the alleged theft of over 1,200 bushels of soybeans.

On March 22, 2023, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) reported that on March 21, 2023, a West Carroll Parish man was arrested by inspectors with the (LDAF) Livestock Brand Commission.

The arrest was made in response to a warrant issued by Morehouse Parish in connection with an inquiry conducted by the Livestock Brand Commission.

Joseph Ryan Elliott, 44, of Oak Grove, Louisiana., was arrested in Madison Parish on a felony theft over $5,000 warrant. Elliott reportedly obtained over 1,207 bushels of #1 yellow soybeans from a producer in October 2022 for the purpose of transporting them to a grain elevator in Morehouse Parish, according to an inquiry by LDAF's Livestock Brand Commission. Elliott allegedly sold the soybeans under his name at the grain elevator and pocketed the proceeds. Elliott is now being held in the Morehouse Parish jail pending bond.

“In addition to investigating livestock theft, the LDAF Livestock Brand Commission is also responsible for investigating all other agricultural crimes in Louisiana, including theft of farm equipment, or, in this case, crops,” said LDAF Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M. “Livestock Brand officers are commissioned by the Louisiana State Police to perform their duties. As such, they’re an important part of the process in making sure perpetrators of agricultural theft are held responsible for their crimes.”

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture, as well as sheriff's departments in both West Carroll and Madison 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.

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.