From staff reports OKLAHOMA CITY– A Kay County commissioner indicted on 10 felony charges by the 21st Multi-County Grand Jury voluntarily surrendered. Shane Douglas Jones, 36, is charged with one count of larceny of livestock and nine counts of branding with intent to defraud.
According to investigators, Jones was hired by a cattle auction facility to transport livestock between Jan. 1 and Feb. 12.The indictment accuses Jones of fraudulently branding at least nine cows as his own.
Special Agent Gavin D. Gatrell of the Texas and Southwest Cattle Raisers Association was among the witnesses who testified before the grand jury.
“Cattle theft is a serious crime that undermines Oklahoma’s agricultural industry,” said Attorney General Gentner Drummond, who owns and operates a ranch. “We aren’t afraid to vigorously prosecute those who steal livestock, regardless of their position in the community.”
If convicted, Jones faces three to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $500,000 for one count of larceny of livestock. The other nine counts of branding with intent to defraud are punishable with three to 10 years in prison or a fine of $500 to $1,000 for each count.