Louisiana Man Arrested in Connection with Illegal Possession of a Stolen Tractor with a Defaced Product Identification Number

Louisiana – On November 10, 2022, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) reported that a Concordia Parish man was arrested by Brand Inspectors of the LDAF Brand Commission. The arrest was made in response to a warrant issued by Concordia Parish in connection with an investigation by the Livestock Brand Commission.

Marcus J. Scirocco, 43, of Vidalia, Louisiana, was arrested on a warrant for possession of stolen property, which included a tractor with a tampered product identification number. The Livestock Brand Commission of LDAF established that Scirocco reportedly possessed a tractor that had been reported stolen in Wilkinson County, Mississippi, and that the tractor’s product identification number had been defaced. Investigators learned that the tractor had been listed for sale on a social media platform.

When it was discovered that the product identification number had been defaced, one of the possible buyers grew suspicious, and the Livestock Brand Commission was alerted. Following an inquiry, the original product identification number was discovered, and the tractor was verified to be stolen and recovered.

Scirocco surrendered without incident to the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Department and was jailed on the warrant. There is currently no bond in place.

“The LDAF always recommends that buyers be aware of who they are dealing with when purchasing farm equipment or livestock over the internet,” said LDAF Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M. “In this case, a cautious potential buyer alerted the Brand Inspectors and helped recover stolen property. If you suspect foul play, please reach out to the Livestock Brand Commission, which investigates livestock theft as well as all other agricultural crimes throughout the state.”

The Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Department, the Wilkinson County Mississippi Sheriff’s Department, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau all supported the Livestock Brand Commission in this inquiry (NICB).

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 innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.