TYLER, Texas — A Cherokee County grand jury has indicted Brandon Jay Wiginton, 38, of Tyler, for allegedly stealing more than $96,000 in hay and associated revenue, authorities said.
The charges follow a multi-year investigation conducted by the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA). Wiginton was released from the Smith County Jail on March 2 after posting bonds totaling $610,000.
He faces multiple charges, including:
Theft of property valued over $30,000 but under $150,000
Misuse of fiduciary or financial property over $30,000 but under $150,000
Additional counts of theft of property
According to TSCRA, the investigation began in 2022 when a report was filed concerning a business partnership that allegedly led to the theft of hay and related revenue. Special rangers gathered statements, reviewed financial records, and conducted interviews to confirm that the theft occurred in both Cherokee and Smith counties.
Wiginton was arrested on February 26 at his residence on County Road 196 in Smith County. Similar charges were filed in Smith County as part of the investigation. No trial date has been set.
