Photo: MALTB investigators recovered a stolen Cat 299D3 skid steer with mulching head, valued at approximately $196,000, in Hinds County.
This week, the Mississippi Agriculture and Livestock Theft Bureau (MALTB) recovered stolen agricultural equipment, with an estimated value of $210,000, in Hinds County.
On April 30, 2024, the Mississippi Agriculture and Livestock Theft Bureau was asked to assist in the investigation of a stolen Cat 299D3 skid steer stolen out of Copiah County.
The initial report was taken by the Copiah County Sheriff’s Office. The equipment was being used to clear beetle infested timber along highways and utility right aways. During the course of this investigation, investigators uncovered information that led them to an area in rural Hinds County.
MALTB investigators, along with the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office investigations, Hinds County Patrol Division and Hinds County Emergency Operations Center, were able to locate and recover the stolen equipment. Though unrelated to the initial report, a 16-foot enclosed trailer that was reported stolen in Hinds County last month was also recovered at the scene.
The skid steer with mulching head is valued at approximately $196,000, and the trailer is valued at approximately $14,000. MALTB Director Dean Barnard said, “This investigation and the recovery of $210,000 in combined ag equipment was a law enforcement team effort. This is an open and ongoing criminal investigation.”
Director Barnard would like to commend all his MALTB investigators, the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, Hinds County Patrol Division and Hinds County Emergency Operations Center for their continued effort in the recovery of stolen equipment.
The Mississippi Agriculture and Livestock Theft Bureau, the law enforcement division of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, enforces state laws pertaining to the theft of cattle, horses, swine, poultry, fish, farm equipment, chemicals, timber and all other farm or agriculture-related crimes.
MALTB investigators recovered a 16-foot enclosed trailer, valued at approximately $14,000, in Hinds County.
