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

Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., said a Livestock Brand Commission inspector recovered a valuable saddle in Caldwell Parish after it was reported stolen from the bed of a pickup truck in West Monroe.

The saddle, a Billy Cook model, was taken May 22 from the truck during a horse sale at the West Monroe Livestock Auction building in West Monroe.

Brand Commission Inspector Joey Norman investigated and recovered the saddle on May 28. Deputies from the Caldwell Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested Lonnie Lee Corley, Jr., 40, of Winn Parish, on July 9.

Corley was charged with possession of stolen items valued over $500.

Strain said the Livestock Brand Commission is empowered to investigate all agricultural crime including livestock theft, farm machinery and equipment.

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