CORNING – On October 29, 2019, California Department of Food and Agriculture investigators and the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office wrapped up a months-long investigation into cattle theft with the arrest of Jose Damian Camargo, 39, of Corning.

“This suspect is accused of stealing 24 head of cattle, ag equipment and tens of thousands of dollars in money from two people who hired him as their ranch manager,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.  “We’re talking a loss of more than 200 thousand dollars between the two victims.  Thankfully investigators were able to investigate the crimes and identify the suspected criminal with enough evidence to obtain an arrest warrant.”

The victims, James Weiss, 92 and Robert Aycock, 67, both of San Rafael, purchased pasture in Corning for grazing their cattle.   They also hired Camargo as their ranch manager.  Between December 1, 2017 and July 1, 2019, Camargo allegedly stole 24 head of cattle, a portable horse barn, 15 steel corral panels, seven gates, a well pump and $176, 134.

Investigators arrested Camargo for theft, embezzlement, forgery and elder abuse.