Texas man arrested in $126K livestock theft investigation
A Decatur man was arrested following an investigation into the theft of 56 head of calves valued at more than $126,000.
Gabriel Cocanougher, 36, of Decatur, was arrested June 12 and charged with theft of livestock, a third-degree felony. Authorities allege Cocanougher failed to pay for cattle that were shipped from Florida to Decatur after agreeing to purchase them.
Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger Cliff Swofford opened the investigation in May. During the investigation, Swofford obtained evidence and witness statements indicating Cocanougher agreed to purchase 56 head of calves from a Florida livestock broker in September 2025. The cattle were delivered as agreed, but payment was never made despite multiple attempts by the broker to collect.
Following the investigation, Swofford submitted the case to the Wise County District Attorney’s Office for review. An arrest warrant was issued, and Cocanougher voluntarily surrendered to Wise County authorities. He was later released on bond.
This investigation remains ongoing.
The Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association encourages ranchers to take a proactive approach to preventing livestock and equipment theft. Recommended practices include locking gates, tack rooms, and trailers; branding cattle and horses and recording those brands with the county; and marking saddles, tack, and equipment with identifying information such as a driver’s license number.
TSCRA also advises producers to keep detailed ownership records, including photos or videos, count cattle regularly, vary feeding schedules to avoid predictable routines, limit access to keys and gate combinations, park trailers and equipment out of sight from roadways, avoid building pens near roads or feeding in pens, participate in neighborhood Crime Watch programs, and never leave keys in tractors or other equipment. These simple steps can help deter theft and improve the chances of recovering stolen property.
The post Texas man arrested in $126K livestock theft investigation appeared first on AGDAILY.
