Muskogee County Sheriff's Office Launches Agriculture Investigator Position

The Muskogee County Sheriff's office has added the new position of Agricultural Investigator. This is the first position like this in the history of the county.

Agricultural crimes are different than a burglary or assault that a typical investigator may see.

Muskogee County Sheriff Andy Simmons said Major Mike Grace has a specific set of skills and a lot of experience that helps him do the job.

“He possesses that skill set, he’s got the network of cowboys, farmers, ranchers, veterinarians, he’s got a whole host, a network of people that can help him in his investigations,” he said.

Muskogee County Sheriff Andy Simmons said Grace has been in the department for 42-years. He used to be a ranch hand, but he ever quite left the ranch behind.

Grace put his knowledge to the test last week - when the department got a call for neglected horses. He's been around ranches long enough to know exactly what to look for in a healthy animal - and what to expect with an aging one.

He quickly found the horses were well-cared for - just old.

“Some people may not realize that they’re just old horses," Grace said. "They’re just like people. They get old and they get frail, and that’s just part of life. Now if it’s a young horse and they look like that, then we’re gonna have a problem.”

The role goes far beyond neglect. The need for an investigator focused on farms is greater than you'd think. More than 1,000 cattle were stolen in Oklahoma last year.

Sheriff Simmons said equipment theft isn't uncommon - and it can disproportionately affect farmers.

“You’re stealing somebody’s tractor you’re stealing their livelihood," Simmons said.