St. Landry Parish man arrested for felony theft
For immediate release: August 30, 2024
Baton Rouge, La. – On August 22, 2024, inspectors with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) Livestock Brand Commission (LBC) arrested Lester R. Johnson, Jr. of Opelousas for felony theft.
Prior to the arrest, an LBC investigation determined that in November of 2023, 32-year-old Johnson fraudulently bid on and was the high bidder on one head of livestock at a local livestock market. The investigation further revealed that Johnson had intentionally bid on the livestock to raise the price substantially above market value. When Johnson failed to retrieve and pay for the livestock within the 10-day period (outlined in LA R.S. 14:67.1), the market was deprived of the proceeds from the sale, which has an estimated value of $1,400.
The bond was not set at the time of the arrest. If convicted, the suspect faces possible fines and jail time.
St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office assisted the Livestock Brand Commission in this investigation.
The Livestock Brand Commission maintains a 24-hour Crimestoppers Hotline at (800) 558-9741 for the public to report thefts or other agriculture-related crimes. All persons accused of crimes are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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For more information regarding the press release, please contact LDAFCommunications@ldaf.state.la.us .
For interview requests, please contact PressSecretary@ldaf.state.la.us .