Sheriff’s office recovers $15K in stolen cattle in Independence County

A tip from a suspicious sale barn led authorities to recover nine stolen cattle worth more than $15,000 in Independence County, highlighting the importance of community vigilance in rural crime prevention.

The successful joint operation between the Independence County Sheriff’s Office and the Arkansas Department of Agriculture followed a report of suspicious livestock activity on July 24. Investigators traced the cattle to Cattleman’s Livestock Exchange in Charlotte, where staff had alerted authorities to irregularities with the livestock, a release from Sheriff Shawn Stephens’ office said.

The nine head of cattle, valued at approximately $15,450, were safely returned to their rightful owner.

“This recovery demonstrates our commitment to protecting the agricultural community,” said Stephens. “We want to thank the public for the tips and cooperation that made this effort possible.”

One person, Eric Wayne Williams (pictured below), 31, of Batesville, has been detained in connection with the theft. The case remains under investigation, with authorities pursuing leads related to potential accomplices and other stolen livestock.

The Independence County Sheriff’s Office and Arkansas Department of Agriculture are urging ranchers to keep detailed livestock records, use visible identification marks on livestock, and report suspicious activity without delay.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Independence County Sheriff’s Office at 870-793-8838, email contact@independencesheriff.org, or submit a tip through the department’s mobile app.

Image: Independence County Sheriff’s Office / Featured image: Gena Tate, White River Now