5 Arrested in Organized Cattle Theft Operation in Williamson County

Months-long investigation uncovers large-scale livestock theft ring

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:37am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of wire cutters against a stark black background, conceptually representing the tools used to illegally access livestock enclosures.Specialized tools recovered during the investigation highlight the organized, systematic nature of the cattle theft operation.Florence Today

Five individuals have been taken into custody following a months-long investigation by the Williamson County Sheriff's Office into an organized cattle theft operation. The probe began in December 2025 when Florence police stopped a truck towing a trailer with stolen cattle, leading to the discovery of an extensive criminal enterprise responsible for the theft and slaughter of approximately 70 head of livestock over several months.

Why it matters

Livestock theft can have a significant financial impact on the agricultural community, and this case highlights the dedication of law enforcement to combat organized agricultural crime through strong collaboration between agencies. The investigation exposed the scale and sophistication of the theft ring, which repeatedly cut fences to steal cattle from local ranches.

The details

Investigators found multiple locations where pasture fencing had been cut in a consistent manner to allow the theft of livestock. Authorities also recovered ammunition, tools used in processing animals, and photos of stolen and slaughtered cattle found on a suspect's cell phone. Cell phone location data, witness statements, digital forensic analysis and physical evidence indicated all five suspects worked together in the operation.

  • The investigation began on Dec. 3, 2025 when Florence police stopped a pickup truck towing a trailer without proper lighting and found three dead cattle.
  • The stolen cattle were determined to have been taken from Capitol Land & Livestock in Schwertner.

The players

Ramon Martinez Miranda

One of the five suspects arrested and charged with theft of livestock between $30,000 and $150,000, a third-degree felony.

Miguel Martinez Mons

One of the five suspects arrested and charged with theft of livestock between $30,000 and $150,000, a third-degree felony.

Orleydis Martin Reyes

One of the five suspects arrested and charged with theft of livestock between $30,000 and $150,000, a third-degree felony.

Yasmani Galis-Hernandez

One of the five suspects arrested and charged with theft of livestock between $30,000 and $150,000, a third-degree felony.

Reidel Martinez

One of the five suspects arrested and charged with theft of livestock between $30,000 and $150,000, a third-degree felony.

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What they’re saying

“This case highlights the dedication of our investigators and the strong collaboration between agencies to combat organized agricultural crime. Livestock theft has a significant financial impact on our agricultural community, and we remain committed to holding offenders accountable.”

— Matt Lindemann, Williamson County Sheriff

What’s next

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with information to contact the Williamson County Sheriff's Office.

The takeaway

This case underscores the growing problem of organized agricultural crime and the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement and the farming/ranching community to combat livestock theft, which can have devastating financial consequences for producers.