A Panola County woman was arrested last week Friday and charged with theft of livestock after stealing a cow from a neighboring rancher.

The suspect, 42-year old Stacie Laine Soape of Carthage was arrested Oct. 17 after a lengthy investigation.

Panola County Constable Mitch North received a tip on July 1 referencing one cow sold be a person who didn't own cattle. After receiving the tip, Norton called Texas Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger Larry Hand to assist with the investigation.

According to Hand, the unbranded cow was sold at an east Texas livestock auction on June 28 and was traced to a ranch in Cherokee County where it was eventually IDed by the owner with a photograph.

Ranger Hand said the cow was not branded, however branding is a rancher's best line of defense against cattle rustling.

Other parties involved in the theft are expected to be referred to the Panola County Grand Jury.

Ranger Hand thanked the Panola County Sheriff's Department for their assistance.

Stacie Laine Soape