Lockhart man arrested in cattle theft

LOCKHART, Texas (KXAN) - Authorities arrested a Lockhart man Thursday after they said he stole some livestock.

Jose Alfredo Ramon, 34, allegedly stole one cow and two calves on Sept. 24 from rancher Alton Williams, who is also a member of the Texas Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association in Luling .

Williams said he discovered the padlock on his pasture gate had been cut and that his loading pens and chutes had been used. After a head count of his cattle, he realized the cow and two calves were missing.

Investigations led to three head of cattle matching the description of the stolen livestock that were sold at a livestock auction the following day.

Authorities confiscated the check, recovered the cattle and returned them to their owner.

Theft of three head of cattle is a third-degree felony. If convicted, Ramon could receive up to 10 years in prison and/or up to a $10,000 fine.

The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association has 29 Special Rangers stationed strategically throughout Texas and Oklahoma who authorities said have in-depth knowledge of the cattle industry and are trained in all facets of law enforcement.

All are commissioned as Special Rangers by the Texas Department of Public Safety and/or the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.