MALTB Investigation Leads to Recovery of Stolen Property in Rankin County

The Mississippi Agriculture and Livestock Theft Bureau (MALTB), the law enforcement division of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, assisted in a recent investigation that led to the recovery of multiple items of stolen property including agricultural equipment in Rankin County.

MALTB assisted in the investigation of a stolen 2021 T-66 Bobcat skid steer reported stolen from Hinds County in the city of Jackson. During the investigation, information surfaced that led investigators to Rankin County, off Shell Oil Road, where MALTB investigators located and recovered the skid steer along with other stolen equipment.

 Further investigation resulted in the recovery of an additional skid steer. The investigation and recovery of over $198,000 in equipment was a collaborative effort between several law enforcement agencies. MALTB Director Dean Barnard commended MALTB investigators, the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office and the Jackson Police Department for their continued efforts in the recovery of stolen agricultural property. This is an open and ongoing criminal investigation; arrests are forthcoming.

“I am proud of the work our law enforcement team here with the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce have accomplished,” said Commissioner Gipson. “They work diligently every day to protect our ag communities around the state. I would like to thank all our MALTB investigators, as well as our partners in state and local law enforcement who assisted with this investigation.”

 The Mississippi Agricultural and Livestock Theft Bureau enforces state laws pertaining to the theft of cattle, horses, swine, poultry, fish, farm equipment, chemicals, timber and all other farm or agriculture-related crimes. Visit http://msagtheft.org/ to learn more about the MALTB. To report or provide information regarding an agricultural crime, call (800) 678-2660.