MALTB recovers stolen hay equipment in Copiah County

The Mississippi Agricultural & Livestock Theft Bureau (MALTB) recovered a hay baler and hay cutter in Copiah County that was reported stolen in Lincoln County.

On June 22, a 435 John Deere hay baler and a Kuhn hay cutter were reported stolen to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. A Kubota five-wheel hay rake was reported stolen to the Copiah County Sheriff’s Office that same day. On June 25, the MALTB received a report of the stolen equipment and began their investigation. MALTB believes the two cases are related.

During the investigation, information surfaced that led investigators to Copiah County. The Mississippi Agriculture and Livestock Theft Bureau, along with Copiah County Sheriff’s Office, recovered the stolen hay baler and hay cutter in a rural part of Copiah County on June 27.

Several suspects have been identified. One suspect was arrested by the Crystal Springs Police Department on an outstanding arrest warrant unrelated to this case. This case is an open and ongoing investigation with more arrests to follow.

MALTB Director Dean Barnard would like to commend the MALTB investigators in the case for their continued effort in the recovery of stolen farm equipment. These cases are a joint effort with Copiah County Sherriff’s Office, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and the Crystal Springs Police Department helping to locate one of the suspects.

The Mississippi Agriculture and Livestock Theft Bureau, the law enforcement division of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, 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.

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