Opelousas man arrested and accused of fraudulent bidding on livestock

An Opelousas man was arrested and charged with fraudulent bidding on livestock.

Lester R. Johnson Jr., 32, was found guilty of grand theft by the Livestock Brand Commission of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry.

The incident occurred in November 2023. At the time, they alleged that Johnson fraudulently bid on a head of cattle at a local market and was the highest bidder. The investigation also alleges that Johnson intentionally bid to drive the price well above market value.

But after winning the auction, he never showed up to pay for the cattle, as required by state law, investigators allege. The estimated value that escaped the auction market was $1,400, they say.

If convicted of grand theft, Johnson could face fines and prison sentences.

The St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office assisted the Livestock Brand Commission in this investigation.

The Livestock Brand Commission maintains a 24-hour Crimestoppers hotline at (800) 558-9741 where the public can report thefts or other agriculture-related crimes.