Oklahoma man bought 139 cows with a bogus check, tried to resell them, authorities say
A Guymon man is accused of writing a false check to acquire cattle and resell them.
On March 4, Truth Allen Stephens, 23, was arrested for allegedly writing a check for $187,650 to buy 139 cows and 46 newborn calves from an Okmulgee County rancher. He allegedly transported the cattle to western Oklahoma to sell them.
Authorities said the Okmulgee County rancher discovered the check was not valid and attempted to contact Stephens. Stephens avoided the rancher, authorities said.
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In Okmulgee County District Court, Stephens faces a felony charge for writing a fraudulent check. He is accused of writing the check after closing an account at American Exchange Bank, according to court documents.
Authorities with the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association accused Stephens of buying additional cattle, along with horses, tack and a Peterbilt semi-truck using the same sequence of checks from the closed checking account.
TSCRA special rangers are continuing to investigate. They request any other potential victims in Oklahoma who believe they might have been victimized by Stephens contact Bart Perrier, special ranger, at 918-440-8360.
The association is advising individuals who agree to sell cattle or personal property through private sales to refrain from accepting personal checks without prior verification.
Opting for a cashier's check or securing funds through wire drafts between financial institutions is a more secure practice, the association said.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma man bought 139 cows with a bad check, authorities say
