St. Landry Parish man arrested for theft of livestock
For immediate release: July 19, 2024
Baton Rouge, La. – On July 18, inspectors with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) Livestock Brand Commission (LBC) arrested Ray A. Dunbar of Opelousas, Louisiana, for theft of livestock.
According to an LBC investigation, in April, 51-year-old Dunbar was in possession of one head of livestock that allegedly belonged to a St. Landry Parish producer. Dunbar allegedly sold the livestock without the permission and/or authorization of the producer. Dunbar failed to return the livestock to the producer within the 10-day window after the demand letter was sent as required in LA R.S. 14:67.1 (B)(2).
“The fraudulent conduct, practices, or representations derived from the sale of livestock is a violation of the theft of livestock statute and is punishable by law,” said LDAF Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M. “LDAF and the Livestock Brand Commission continue to uphold the law when violations occur.”
The livestock involved, which has an estimated value of $5,000, was recovered and returned to the producer. The bond was not set at the time of the arrest. If convicted, the suspect faces possible fines and jail time.
St. Landry Parish Investigators 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 .