Mike Strain Commissioner | Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry
Mike Strain Commissioner | Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry
On April 8, a Mississippi man was apprehended by the Livestock Brand Commission of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. Christopher Whisenton, age 35, was arrested in Tangipahoa Parish for allegedly failing to pay for 14 livestock he received on November 11, 2024. According to law enforcement, Whisenton did not make proper payment to a local livestock market in Allen Parish. After his arrest, he was transferred to Allen Parish and booked on charges related to livestock theft.
"The law is specific when dealing with the purchase of livestock. The failure or refusal to pay for livestock acquired is a crime and a violation of the theft of livestock statute," stated LDAF Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M.
The arrest followed an investigation that included assistance from the Louisiana State Police Troop L. Bond for Whisenton has been set at $20,000. At this time, the livestock involved in the incident have not been recovered.
Authorities remind the public that individuals accused of crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. The Livestock Brand Commission encourages the public to report thefts or other agriculture-related crimes via a 24-hour Crimestoppers hotline at (800) 558-9741.
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