LDAF Brand Inspectors Arrest Bastrop Man for Theft of Livestock
For immediate release: September 24, 2026
BASTROP, La. — September 24, 2026 — Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) Livestock Brand Commission inspectors have arrested a 51-year-old Bastrop man on three counts of theft of livestock following an investigation involving registered Highland cattle.
The investigation began on March 4, 2026, after LDAF Brand Inspectors received information regarding three head of registered Highland cattle that were allegedly sold without the lawful owner’s permission.
During the investigation, LDAF Brand Inspectors, working in coordination with the Morehouse Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Mississippi Agriculture and Livestock Theft Bureau, discovered evidence indicating that Michael Shane Duckworth allegedly advertised the cattle on social media and sold them to an individual in another state. Duckworth allegedly did not have permission from the lawful owner to sell the cattle and kept the proceeds from the sale.
Following the investigation, LDAF Brand Inspectors obtained an arrest warrant for Duckworth on three counts of theft of livestock.
Duckworth was apprehended and transported to the Morehouse Parish Jail and booked on three counts of theft of livestock and an additional charge of resisting an officer. Bond was set at $10,000. Duckworth has since been released on bond.
The cattle involved in the investigation were subsequently resold in another state and have not been recovered.
LDAF Commissioner Mike Strain, DVM, emphasized the importance of cooperation among law enforcement agencies when investigating agricultural crimes. “Our Brand Inspectors work closely with local law enforcement and our partners in neighboring states to investigate livestock theft and other agricultural crimes. The LDAF remains committed to protecting Louisiana’s livestock producers and agricultural community.”
The Livestock Brand Commission maintains a 24-hour Crimestoppers hotline at (800) 558-9741 for the public to report livestock theft and other agriculture-related crimes.
Note: All persons accused of any crime are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.