Crime doesn’t pay, especially when the checks that are being written are bogus — at some point, someone will notice.
Last week, Truth Allen Stephens was arrested on felony charges after authorities said he wrote fraudulent checks. Stephens is accused of writing a check from a closed account for $187,650 to buy cattle from a rancher in Okmulgee County, Oklahoma, in March.
Not very “truth” like.
The arrest is the result of an investigation led by Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger Bart Perrier and the Okmulgee County Sheriff’s Office.
Stephens took possession of the cattle (that weren’t paid for), which included 139 cows and 46 newborn calves.
According to the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, the rancher discovered the checks were invalid and attempted to contact Stephens unsuccessfully.
Special Ranger Bart Perrier said Stephens also purchased additional large sets of cattle, horses, tack, and a Peterbilt semi-truck utilizing the same set of checks from the closed account.
TSCRA Special Rangers are still investigating the case and asking that potential victims contact Perrier at 918-440-8360.
In most states, writing a bad, bogus, or hot check is a criminal act. And while things in the West used to be settled with a handshake, increased reports of hot checks and fraudulent purchases are turning things into a buyer-beware situation.
The justice system is the best way to pursue solutions regarding stolen livestock.
»Related: Arizona man pleads guilty to felony charges in cattle theft case
