Published: April 22, 2009 11:09 pm      

Frankston man arrested for cattle theft

Authorities hope to make additional arrests

PALESTINE — Anderson County sheriff’s authorities have a 19-year-old Frankston man behind bars and hope to make additional arrests in connection with the theft of 10 Black Angus cows earlier this month. 

Dudley Elijah Warrington, 19, of Frankston turned himself in at the Anderson County Jail Wednesday morning after being charged with the third-degree felony offense of theft of 10 or more cattle (less than $100,000), according to Anderson County Sheriff Greg Taylor. 

As of Wednesday afternoon, Warrington remained in the Anderson County Jail in lieu of a $75,000 bond set by Anderson County Justice of the Peace James Todd, according to the sheriff.

Taylor indicated authorities hope to make additional arrests in the case. 

“There are other subjects we are seeking at this time,” Taylor said. 

Authorities have said they believe the cattle were stolen from a pasture on CR 3051, east of Frankston, on the afternoon of April 9. The stolen cattle were recovered later that same day at approximately 8:30 p.m. at the Athens sale barn after authorities say they received a tip. 

The sheriff said his agency believes the culprits cut through a fence to gain entry into the pasture. 

“Cattle theft is a common crime,” Taylor said. “A lot of times, it doesn’t get reported. People who have cattle need to have their cattle branded and get their brand registered at the county clerk’s office.” 

Sheriff’s Sgt. Jay Russell and Jimmy Dickson, a special ranger with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, are the chief investigators in the case.

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Paul Stone may be contacted via e-mail at pstone@palestineherald.com