Jason Lenstrom, an Arizona man arrested and indicted on three felony counts of theft of livestock and one felony count of theft of property, pleaded guilty to all charges.
According to documents, when Lenstrom visited the Rio Grand Classic Livestock Auction in El Paso on Jan. 19 and Feb. 2, he purchased 126 head of roping cattle. The issue? Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association said he didn’t have the money to pay for them, and his checks bounced.
Lenstrom agreed to nine years deferred adjudication probation, payment of $50,416.98 in restitution, and 250 hours of community service for the crimes.
Lenstrom was indicted in August 2021, following an investigation led by cattle association and the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. The charges come after TSCRA Special Ranger Clay McKinney was contacted by the owner of the Rio Grande Classic Livestock Auction in El Paso in March 2021.
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Lenstrom had paid for the cattle he “purchased” with three separate checks, totaling more than $50,000, all of which were later declined due to insufficient funds. McKinney contacted Lenstrom to arrange payment, however, Lenstrom failed to settle his debts.
This led to a criminal investigation and indictment of Lenstrom by an El Paso County Grand Jury on three felony counts of theft of livestock and one felony count of theft of property.
Lenstrom was arrested Aug. 23, 2021 in Holbrook, Arizona and bail was set at $60,000.
