A Shelby County man turned himself in to authorities Monday after a warrant was issued for his arrest for felony theft of livestock.

The suspect, 53-year old Hollis Neel Farris of Center, a rancher and poultry producer, was accused of taking his neighbor’s stray bull to an east Texas sales barn, pocketing the funds and denying to the victim ever seeing the bull after selling it. He was released on a $4,000 bond.

exas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger, Larry Hand assisted Shelby County Sheriff’s Department investigator Kevin Windham, DJ Dickerson and Pct. 5 Constable Stanley Burgay in the investigation.

A TSCRA market inspector was able to locate sales records implicating Farris, who cooperated with investigators when confronted.

Ranger Hand was able to track the bull through four counties to a feeder cattle operation and made a positive ID based on distinct earmarks and sales records.

Ranger Hand advises ranchers to brand their livestock so they can be more easily tracked and identified if stolen. He also warns ranchers and the public that all stray cattle in Texas must be reported to their local sheriff’s department. 
Hollis Neel Farris