Rancher arrested during stolen cattle probe

A 26-year-old rancher was arrested on Sunday during an investigation for stolen cattle in Lethem, Region Nine.

Ronny Joseph was arrested at his father’s ranch at Sapika Creek, in Parikawaarnau Village, Central Lethem.

Police Headquarters reported that a team of investigators were in search of a wanted man identified as Carlton Jones. Investigators were also in search of the stolen cattle.

Police said two vaqueros reported that they saw Jones at the ranch on Saturday.
Joseph has since denied seeing Jones and also denied stealing any cattle. Police further stated that neither Jones nor the stolen animals were found on the ranch.

“However, two hammocks were seen tied underneath some trees next to the Ranch. Also, ten cow heads (skeletal remains) and three dry cow skins without brands were found on the Ranch.

“Ronny Joseph was questioned as it relates to the cow heads and skins and he claimed he would normally buy cows from Sand Creek, slaughter them at his father’s ranch and sell them to business owners in Lethem,” Police stated.

Joseph was confronted by the two vaqueros about Jones hiding out on the ranch but he again denied those claims. The man was then arrested.

He remains in custody as the investigations continue.