Home / Crime and Justice / Texas Cattle Sale Scammed for $159K
Texas Cattle Sale Scammed for $159K
3 Aug
Summary
- Buyer arrested for allegedly using insufficient funds checks.
- Over $159,000 in cattle were reportedly stolen via bad checks.
- Felony cattle theft charge filed due to the high transaction value.
Authorities in Leon County, Texas, are investigating a cattle sale that allegedly fell apart due to insufficient funds. Buffalo Livestock Marketing Inc. reportedly sold 77 head of cattle valued at $159,604.03, but the checks used for payment did not clear.
Payton Dean Carroll, 25, of Barry, Texas, has been identified as the buyer and was subsequently arrested. He faces a charge of second-degree felony cattle theft, a charge that stems from the transaction amount exceeding $150,000 under Texas law. The investigation was initiated on July 17, and involved assistance from multiple agencies.
Livestock markets and ranchers are often vulnerable to bad-check schemes. The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association advises sellers to be vigilant about unusual payment arrangements and to meticulously document all sale details, including buyer identification and transaction records.
