Marquez mother and son arrested for cattle rustling

Rosaria Carrizales, 53, was arrested Wednesday, June 30, after allegedly stealing six head of cattle from her employer, a rancher in Leon County.

The cattle were spotted at the East Texas Livestock Auction by an order buyer who recognized the brand as a local rancher’s. The owner of the brand was notified and later identified the cattle as part of his herd. Investigators revealed that Carrizales, a part-time employee of the victim, allegedly stole and attempted to sell the victim’s cattle.

Further investigations revealed that Carrizales’ son, Jose Guadalupe Carrizales, 26, allegedly stole one head from the victim in March. Carrizales turned himself in to authorities on Friday. Both were released on bond of $3,500.

If convicted, each could face up to ten years in prison and/or up to a $10,000 fine.

Brent Mast, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) special ranger, and Lt. Kevin Ellis, Leon County Sheriff’s Department led the investigations.

“Because these cattle were branded, we were able to identify and recover them quickly,” said Mast. “The best way to protect your cattle from theft is to brand your cattle and register that brand with the county and TSCRA.”

Anyone with information regarding this or other cattle thefts should call TSCRA’s Operation Cow Thief Hotline at 1-888-830-2333.