Welcome to Arrest Stories. A forty three year old Colfax man faces felony charges after allegedly stealing cattle worth six hundred fifty thousand dollars from two ranchers who trusted him with their livestock. Here's what may have happened.
Daniel Wayne Dockter found himself at the center of a major cattle theft investigation that spans multiple years and involves agreements with two separate ranchers. The case began when ranchers entered into share agreements with Dockter, trusting him to care for their valuable livestock.
In November two thousand nineteen, one rancher sent ninety three cows and three bulls to Dockter's Richland County property. The second rancher followed suit in two thousand twenty one, sending forty cows to the same location. Both agreements established that Dockter would care for the cattle and split the calf crop sixty forty with the respective owners.
Problems arose when the ranchers began inquiring about their livestock. According to police reports, when asked about the whereabouts of the cattle, Dockter allegedly told the ranchers their animals were being kept at a South Dakota feedlot called Redfords Feedlot.
The investigation escalated on January eighth when authorities executed a search warrant at Dockter's property. The search appears to have uncovered evidence leading to multiple charges against the forty three year old man.
Dockter now faces serious legal consequences, with charges including unlawful transport and theft. He has maintained his innocence in court proceedings. On February sixteenth, Dockter pleaded not guilty to the unlawful transport charge. Three days later on February nineteenth, he entered not guilty pleas to the theft charges.
The case highlights the vulnerability of livestock sharing agreements and the significant financial impact when such arrangements go wrong. The six hundred fifty thousand dollar value represents a substantial loss for the ranchers involved.
All suspects presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Do not take this report as factual, always verify facts. Thanks for watching Arrest Stories.