Two local men are behind bars accused of stealing bulls from a Coryell County rancher back in May.
James Anthony Manning II, 30, and Dylan R. Robinson, 21, were arrested on theft of livestock charges following the investigation led by the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA), with assistance from the Coryell County Sheriff's Department.
Authorities say Manning and Robinson stole two bulls on May 1 from a TSCRA member near Gatesville after the bulls strayed onto a neighbor's property.
The stolen bulls were sold at an auction 80 miles away, and while they were not branded, authorities say they had very distinct identifying marks that help identify them.
“While we were able to identify these bulls by their specific markings, this is not always the case,” said Special Ranger Marvin Wills, who led the investigation. “It is important for ranchers to brand and keep an accurate count on their cattle. Following these precautions will help in the recovery of stolen livestock and serve as the best line of defense against cattle theft.”
Manning was arrested Monday, June 15, and is in the Coryell County Jail awaiting arraignment.
Robinson was already in the Coryell County Jail under a motion to revoke his probation from a 2011 theft case. He is being held on a no bond motion to revoke for the 2011 theft conviction.
