JASPER, Texas — A Southeast Texas couple is facing multiple felony charges after investigators allege they carried out a months-long livestock theft scheme involving auction barns across several counties.
According to the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, investigators believe Douglas and Janay Smith purchased and sold livestock at numerous auction markets while paying with insufficient funds checks and checks drawn on closed bank accounts.
Janay Smith surrendered to authorities in Jasper County on June 29 and was booked on a third-degree felony charge of livestock theft involving property valued at less than $150,000.
Her husband, Douglas Smith, was arrested several days earlier in Lake Jackson and remains in custody in Waller County. Authorities say he faces multiple felony charges involving the theft of cattle, as well as separate charges related to sheep and goats.
Investigators with the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association said the alleged operation stretched across multiple counties and involved transactions at approximately 10 livestock auction barns. The investigation has been ongoing for several months.
Officials say both Douglas and Janay Smith are each facing five felony charges connected to the case.
The investigation remains active as authorities continue working to identify the full scope of the alleged livestock theft operation and any additional financial losses suffered by producers and auction facilities.
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