Five Rounded Up, Fined For Cattle Thefts

GALLATIN, Tenn. -- Five people accused in a string of cattle thefts were sentenced in a Sumner County court Thursday.

Video: 5 People Sentenced For Cattle Thefts

A few months ago, cattle began disappearing from a Sumner County farm, according to police.

In neighboring Trousdale County, officials said the same thing was happening.

Farmers in Macon and Smith counties said they were dealing with disappearing cattle as well.

Attorney and cattle farmer Jean Ann Hall said at first, they could not believe the thefts were happening.

Police said Hall could be a victim of an elaborate multi-county cow-rustling ring involving teenagers as young as 16 years old.

"We know of friends and fellow farmers who have cattle missing,” she said.

The four teens and one adult accused of stealing at least one of Hall's cows were in a Sumner County court Thursday.

Hall said she’s missing 11 cows total and that one was a prize show heifer she said was like family.

The judge was prepared for a stiffer penalty, but Hall agreed in court to let the teens pay $2,500 in restitution.

“The judge told them if it were up to him they would not have gotten off as easy,” Hall said.

Officials said that the people involved with the thefts were familiar with the farms and some were former employees of the victims.

"A lot of these cattle are second-, third- and fourth-generation,” Hall said. She said the blood lines will hard to get back.

A trailer of cows can bring in $10,000 to $20,000 at sale.

Hall's prized cow was slaughtered. She said she is still hoping to find the others.

Two other teens in Trousdale County are facing theft charges.

The sheriff's department in Smith and Macon counties are still investigating.