Stolen agricultural equipment recovered in multiple investigations

JACKSON, Miss. (VDN) – The Mississippi Agriculture and Livestock Theft Bureau (MALTB) recently helped recover more than $145,000 worth of stolen agricultural equipment and goods across several counties.

On April 30, the Brandon Police Department reported that someone had stolen a 2022 4WD Kubota M6060 tractor using a fraudulent check. MALTB joined the investigation the same day. By May 3, MALTB investigators, along with officers from the Brandon Police Department and the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Department, recovered the tractor in Claiborne County. Authorities, with help from the Grenada Police Department and the Madison Parish Sheriff’s Office in Louisiana, also made an arrest in the case.

On May 6, MALTB recovered a KBH fertilizer tender reported stolen from Humphreys County. Investigators located the tender, valued at $80,000 and filled with $15,000 worth of fertilizer, in Madison County. The investigation continues.

In a separate case on May 14, MALTB located and recovered two dump trailers and one enclosed trailer/ The stolen agricultural equipment is estimated to be worth a combined $50,000.

All three investigations remain active.

MALTB Director Dean Barnard encouraged the public to report suspicious activity to local law enforcement, the Mississippi Agriculture and Livestock Theft Bureau at 1-800-678-2660, or Mississippi Crime Stoppers at 601-355-TIPS (8477). All tips remain anonymous, and callers may qualify for a reward if the tip leads to an arrest and conviction.

MALTB serves as the law enforcement division of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce. The bureau enforces state laws related to the theft of livestock, farm equipment, chemicals, timber and other agriculture-related property. For more information, visit msagtheft.org.