Preliminary hearing is set for April 2

Two cases of cattle larceny in Lincoln County recently were pursued by the New Mexico Livestock Board, the most recent resulting in the arrest over the weekend of Teal Ray Bennett.

According to New Mexico Court records, Bennett was charged March 1 with 10 counts of cattle larceny, a 3rd-degree felony; 10 counts of shipping, driving or receiving livestock out of state without an inspection, a 4th-degree felony; and 10 counts of failure to exhibit written evidence of ownership or legal possession of livestock, a misdemeanor.

His first appearance occurred March 5 in Lincoln County's Division 1 Magistrate Court in Carrizozo. Bond was set at $50,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 2.

Troy Patterson, area supervisor for the livestock board, could not be reached for comment or more details Wednesday.

Lincoln County Sheriff Robert Shepperd said the board handled the case using its police powers connected to livestock. Greg Mendoza was the case agent.

Bennett worked at one time for rancher Ed Tinsley, owner of the K-Bob's restaurants, the sheriff confirmed.

"The reason the Texas Rangers were involved was because he (allegedly) was taking the cattle from New Mexico and selling them in Texas," Shepperd said.

"Texas is not a brand state so you don't have to brand your cows in Texas. New Mexico is a brand state and before you can sell any cows, there are brand inspections and a process."

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Based on the information he was given, Shepperd said he understood Bennett was arrested at a bull sale in Roswell on warrants executed by Chaves County Sheriff's deputies.

"He does have a pretty lengthy criminal history, but mostly in Texas," the sheriff said. "He came from Texas up here."

The livestock board earlier arrested a woman and her partner for allegedly stealing cattle from a neighboring ranch and re-branding them, the Sheriff said.

"It's still cattle rustling," he said.

According to Beef Magazine, branding remains the best defense against livestock theft and hot-branding is permanent and less likely to be altered.