A lengthy investigation into a cattle theft operation led by Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) Special Ranger John Vance resulted in the arrests of two men, with two additional suspects still at large.
The two men arrested, Joey Dickey, 43, and Brian Tribble, 58, face serious charges related to the theft of 82 head of cattle across multiple ranches in Texas and Oklahoma. Both men were charged with theft of livestock – organized criminal activity, a crime that involved six ranches and a sale barn.
Dickey was arrested in Wise County and later transferred to the Cherokee County Jail in Oklahoma. Tribble was arrested in Tarrant County before being transferred to Wise County Jail. Warrants have been issued for two more suspects: Braxton Calvert, 26, and Timothy Greer, 42. These two men remain wanted in connection with the cattle thefts.
The case began in June 2024 and gained significant momentum in November 2024 when a TSCRA market inspector identified one of the stolen, branded cows at a sale barn in West Texas. This discovery led to the identification of a key suspect in the case. Throughout the investigation, Special Ranger Vance, in collaboration with local detectives, gathered essential evidence, conducted interviews, and gathered witness statements, which ultimately linked several thefts across multiple counties.
Special Ranger Vance’s thorough investigation revealed that the criminal enterprise spanned four counties in Texas and Oklahoma. The thieves utilized a network that included ranches, sale barns, and the transport of stolen livestock across state lines.
The Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) has expressed appreciation for the joint efforts of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and Wise County Sheriff’s Office, whose collaboration was instrumental in bringing the case to a successful prosecution.
The TSCRA’s continued efforts to fight cattle theft and support law enforcement in cracking down on livestock crimes play a vital role in protecting ranchers and farmers from the economic harm that theft of livestock causes. With two suspects still on the run, authorities continue to search for Calvert and Greer, encouraging anyone with information to come forward.
As the investigation moves forward, authorities are committed to bringing all individuals involved in this cattle theft ring to justice.
