On May 14, the Mississippi Agriculture and Livestock Theft Bureau (MALTB) recovered a stolen excavator in Pearl River County. The 2017 John Deere 50G excavator, valued at $50,000, was stolen in Alabama in 2021.

Following a tip, investigators were led to the excavator, which was recovered. Director Dean Barnard acknowledged the work of MALTB investigators and the anonymous caller who provided the information.

“This is an open and ongoing investigation,” Barnard said. “I encourage anyone with information on stolen agricultural equipment to contact their local law enforcement, Crime Stoppers at 601-355-TIPS, or the MALTB tip line at 1-800-678-2660. All callers can remain anonymous.”

The Mississippi Agriculture and Livestock Theft Bureau is the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce law enforcement division. It enforces state laws related to the theft of cattle, horses, swine, poultry, fish, farm equipment, chemicals, timber, and other farm or agriculture-related crimes.