MANDAN, ND (KXNET) — A North Dakota man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say he attempted to steal and illegally sell cattle he was hired to care for.
The case dates back to 2017, when John Johnson and another man were accused of taking more than 180 cows under their supervision and transporting them to South Dakota.
Investigators said many of the cattle had been rebranded with a mark not registered in North Dakota, rendering it illegal. The animals were later confiscated, and the branding raised suspicions that led to a broader investigation.
Johnson now faces six felony charges, including criminal conspiracy. He appeared in court this week, where a judge set his bond at $20,000.
The second man named in the complaint has since had his charges dismissed, according to court records.
