Department of Agriculture and Forestry, State of Louisiana - Mike Strain DVM, Commissioner

NEWS

Brand New Tractors Stolen from Business

October 21, 2019

Baton Rouge, La. (October 21, 2019) – Two men are accused of stealing two brand new tractors from a Many, La. business. Authorities were alerted September 30, 2019 that the tractors were missing. The estimated value of both tractors is $80,000.

Thirty-eight year old Stephan Morton of Shreveport, La. and 41 year old Michael Bayonne of Alexandria, La. are charged with felony theft of two new “LS” brand tractors from Byles Tractor and Welding located at 245 Hwy 71 Bypass, Many, La.

Evidence and statements confirmed probable cause to charge both for their involvement.

Both men were already in custody in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center on charges unrelated to the tractor thefts in Sabine Parish.

“Farming equipment can be very expensive and loss of such equipment can be a financial burden. This crime is a felony and is taken very seriously,” said Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M.

Morton has since been moved to the Sabine Parish Detention Center with no bond set at this time. Morton also has charges pending in other jurisdictions.

Bayonne currently remains in custody at the Natchitoches Detention Center and has charges pending in other jurisdictions. Bond has been set at $10,000.

At this time, the stolen tractors have not been recovered.

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Livestock Brand Commission and the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office assisted the Many Police Department in these arrests.

Anyone with information is asked to call Many Police at 318- 256-5617, the Louisiana Livestock Brand Commission at 318-949-3225 or the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Farm Related Crime Stoppers at 800-558-9741.

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