A Central Texas man has been charged in connection with the theft of nearly 90 head of cattle worth $65,000 from a former employer.

William D. “Bill” Watson, 63, was arrested Wednesday following a joint investigation by Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger Marvin Wills and Lampasas County sheriff’s Detective David Thorp that started after a landowner contacted Willis about the thefts.

She said she believed that Watson, who had lived on her ranch and helped with her cattle operation, was selling her livestock, the association said in a press release Thursday.

Willis determined that 47 head of cattle belonging to the landowner and another 26 head that the woman allowed another rancher to run on her property had been sold without the consent of the owners, the association said.

Watson ultimately was charged in connection with the theft of a total of 88 head of cattle from the two victims.

He remained in the Lampasas County Jail Thursday in lieu of bonds totaling $40,000.