West Baton Rouge Parish Man Accused in Horse Thefts

BATON ROUGE – A West Baton Rouge Parish man is accused of stealing 15 horses. 

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) Livestock Brand Commission arrested 30-year-old Jonramon Hatfield Vaughns, of 9690 HWY 190, Port Allen, La. on September 11, 2018. 

Investigators said that Vaughns was arrested on two outstanding warrants involving theft of horses in Evangeline and St. Landry Parishes. The warrants stem from two separate complaints filed with the Livestock Brand Commission in both parishes. 

The St. Landry Parish complaint was reportedly filed in March 2018. According to the complaint, Vaughns fraudulently obtained seven horses. Vaughns allegedly sold two of the horses at a local livestock market and transported the remaining five horses out of state.  

On March 19, 2018, a warrant was obtained for Vaughns in St. Landry Parish for seven counts of theft in violation of LA.R.S. 14:67 valued at $4000. 

The Evangeline Parish complaint filed in April said that Vaughns fraudulently obtained eight horses, transported the horses out of state and sold them. A warrant was obtained for Vaughns in Evangeline Parish on May 3 for eight counts of theft in violation of LA.R.S. 14:67 valued at $10,000. 

On the evening of September 11, brand inspectors received a tip that Vaughns was in Rayne, Louisiana.  With the assistance of the Rayne Police Department, Vaughns was arrested and booked without incident on the outstanding warrants. Vaughns is currently  in the St. Landry Parish Jail with a hold placed on him for the Evangeline Parish warrant. 

LDAF Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M. said, “It is highly recommended that horse breeders and trainers use caution particularly when conducting business with people they do not know or with whom they have never done business transactions involving livestock.” Strain added, “Also, request proper identification and registration papers for the horses and obtain financial verification by line of credit or funds available from the broker.” 

If convicted, Vaughns could face fines and jail time.