Four Louisiana men were arrested for allegedly shooting and stealing two Asian water buffalo from a ranch in Plaquemines Parish.
A joint investigation between the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Livestock Brand Commission and the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff's Office determined that the suspects allegedly shot, killed, and harvested the meat, hide, and heads of the buffalo.
Arrested were:
30-year-old Andrew Crawford of Braithwaite, La
35-year-old Billy W. Johnson, Jr. of Buras, La
37-year-old Randall J. Siebert of Saint Bernard, La, and
32-year-old Lance L. Siebert of Braithwaite, La
LDAF Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., said, "The suspects' social media posts were helpful in investigating this case." He added, "Water buffalo fall under the bovine species as livestock. Many Louisiana farmers and ranchers raise alternative livestock. These alternative livestock, or exotics, are regulated by the LDAF."
The value of the livestock stolen and killed is estimated at $10,000.
All four individuals were booked into the Plaquemines Parish Detention Center on Friday, December 13 for Theft of Livestock by the Livestock Brand Commission. If convicted for theft of livestock, they face a find and/or jail time.
