For further information please contact: Sgt. Jason Clark
(573) 522-0980
DDCC02022007
February 2, 2007

EMPHASIS: Cattle Theft Investigation Arrest




Captain Luke Vislay, director of the Division of Drug and Crime Control, announces the arrest of Thomas G. Blasek, 32, of Cuba, Kansas. The arrest is a result of a criminal investigation conducted by Governor Matt Blunt’s Cattle Theft Task Force and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

On January 26, 2007, Blazek was arrested in Kansas by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation on stealing-related charges stemming from cattle thefts that occurred in Missouri in April and May 2006. The cattle were stolen from two Missouri farmers in Pettis and Shelby counties. The two farmers lost a total of 133 head of feeder cattle with a value of over $140,000.

Blazek has been charged in Pettis County with stealing over $25,000 and fraudulently stopping payment on a check. He was released after posting a $70,000 bond. Blazek has been charged in Shelby County with stealing over $25,000 and two counts of passing bad checks. Blazek has also posted a $75,000 bond in Shelby County. The stealing charges are Class B felonies and are punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

The above charges are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

The officers assigned to the Cattle Theft Task Force are committed to finding and arresting those responsible for cattle theft in Missouri. This crime has affected the agricultural industry in the state of Missouri, which is a major factor to the victim’s income and the economy of the state. If anyone has information or knowledge relating to cattle theft they are encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency or the toll free cattle theft hotline at 1-(866)-362-6422.

(###)