Investigators say a Houston-area police officer and three other men have been arrested in a cattle rustling investigation.

Authorities the four defendants, including Sugar Land police Officer William Allen, are charged with engaging in organized criminal activity.

The Texas Department of Public Safety took charge of the investigation, with support from several other law enforcement agencies. DPS declined to say how many cattle, plus farm and construction equipment, were stolen in the estimated $150,000 theft case.

Police department officials say Allen was put on paid leave, following his arrest Wednesday, amid the investigation. Allen, who's free on bond $50,000 bond, has declined comment.

Fort Bend County jail records show two other suspects were no longer in custody Friday, while a third defendant was being held on $75,000 bond.