A Colorado man is facing felony livestock theft charges after Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Rangers say an $8,000 registered Quarter Horse was never paid for following a sale in Northeast Texas.
Investigators say 49 year old Edward Schwartz of Sanford, Colorado, was arrested May 17 in Wagner, South Dakota, after a months long investigation tied to the purchase of a 2024 American Quarter Horse Association palomino stallion.
According to TSCRA Special Ranger Bo Fox, the investigation started earlier this year after a Hopkins County rancher reported Schwartz allegedly took possession of the horse in November of 2025 and paid with two checks totaling $8,000.
Authorities say both checks were later returned for insufficient funds.
Investigators allege Schwartz failed to pay for the horse even after receiving a formal demand letter and also did not return the animal.
The case was turned over to the 8th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, where a Hopkins County grand jury later returned an indictment for theft of livestock. Because the alleged victim is older than 65, the charge was enhanced to a second degree felony.
A warrant was issued with a $50,000 bond.
Schwartz was taken into custody by the Wagner Police Department in South Dakota and is currently being held in Charles Mix County awaiting extradition back to Texas.
TSCRA officials say the investigation remains active.
Special Rangers also credited the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, Hopkins County District Attorney’s Office, South Dakota Brand Board, Wagner Police Department and Charles Mix County Sheriff’s Office for assisting with the case.
Leave a Reply