Investigative Services Unit
The Investigative Services Unit of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry (ODAFF) is charged by Statute with
investigating agriculture crimes. These crimes range from livestock theft
to wild land fire arson. Investigative Services specializes in the
investigation of crimes of livestock theft, agriculture equipment theft, timber theft and wild land fire arson.
All Investigators have expertise in these areas. The ability of this
unit to specialize offers a great advantage to Oklahomans who have been
victimized by this type of crime. Investigators have specific training
enabling them to meet the investigation and prevention needs of Oklahoma stakeholders.
The unit has nine investigators stationed throughout the state. Investigators work with local and county law enforcement, offering
assistance to many agencies across the state. Investigators are CLEET
certified Peace Officers in the State of Oklahoma.
Should you need the services of ODAFF Investigative Services, you may
contact the main office by phone at 405/522-6102, FAX at 405-522-8044 or by
email. In the case of a crime
that has just occurred, contact your local law enforcement agency and the ODAFF Investigative Services.
Current News
Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry’s Investigative Services Division recovery of nearly $140,000 in property and the filing of 34 counts of charges related to agricultural theft charges marks the biggest case solved to date by the division.
Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture, Terry Peach, said the success of the 12 month investigation proves the addition of former Oklahoma Highway Patrol Deputy Chief, Mike Grimes as leader of the division was a sound decision.
“Mike Grimes has brought the leadership, investigative experience and training we needed to help our investigators grow into more efficient law enforcement professionals,” he said. “The division has investigated and closed three times more incidents over the past year than ever before.”
Two additional full-time investigators were added this year to help expand the division’s investigative area statewide, Peach added. ODAFF investigators are now available for all 77 counties.
Grimes said training has improved within his division but adds that the investigators’ hard work and cooperation with other law enforcement agencies deserve recognition.
“David Spears and James Smith deserve special recognition for their efforts,” Grimes said. “They each put in a great deal of time and hard work to solve this crime and that is what it takes to close cases and prosecute offenders.”
Seven individuals have been charged in the case at this time but more people could face charges in the future.
“Our investigation is not over at this time as we have other leads which could implicate more subjects,” Grimes said. “That is often the nature of this sort of crime.”
Six horses, two trailers, equine equipment and jewelry were recovered. The investigation covered Carter, Kingfisher, Lincoln, Okfuskee and Oklahoma counties.
Rural and agricultural crimes can be particularly difficult to solve as they are often not discovered until well after the fact and are rarely witnessed.
“We strive to resolve every case reported but the nature of the crimes we investigate make it difficult in many instances,” Grimes notes. “We continue to assist county sheriff’s departments and other agencies and hope that as we become more widely known people will learn to contact us for assistance for any rural crimes.
“Most of our cases are livestock, timber or equipment thefts and arson but we’re prepared to investigate other agricultural crimes as well,” he said.
####
For More Information Contact: Jack Carson (405) 522-4575
OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD, AND FORESTRY
2800 N. Lincoln, Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73105
August 2008
