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

Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., said two south Louisiana men were arrested on felony theft charges for allegedly stealing a two-horse trailer valued at $800.

Charles Ross Rene, 124 Rene St. of Bunkie, and Jacoby Deshawn Joubert, 337 Carriere St. of Washington, were arrested on Jan. 19.

Investigating Brand Commission Inspector Johnny Steib arrested the pair in Opelousas with the assistance of the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office 

The trailer was reported stolen to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s Brand Commission office on Nov. 23, 2009. The Hale brand trailer was recovered and returned to the rightful owner on Jan. 20.

The Louisiana Brand Commission is empowered to investigate all crimes relating to agriculture.

“Agricultural equipment is expensive and difficult to replace,” Strain said. “Farmers have a lot invested in their equipment and all crimes committed against farmers and producers will be thoroughly investigated.”

Strain urged all agricultural producers and livestock owners to report any possible theft to the LDAF Crimestoppers hotline at 1-800-558-9741.

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