PAWHUSKA — Michael Joseph Demaro, 44, of Skiatook was convicted and sentenced August 13 on three counts of larceny of domestic animals, cattle. The convictions are the result of an investigation by Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) Special Ranger Bart Perrier.

According to Perrier, from June 21 to June 27, 2018, he received reports of stolen cattle from three victims near Avant in rural Osage County. Perrier located some of the stolen animals at livestock markets across northeastern Oklahoma and southern Kansas. With the assistance of local law enforcement and special agents with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Perrier was able to identify additional stolen cattle belonging to the victims.

Demaro, along with accomplice Cody Joseph Porter, 32, of Sperry, were quickly identified as suspects and charged with three counts of larceny each. Demaro pled guilty and was sentenced to 20 years for each charge, to run concurrently. He will serve 10 years in prison and another 10 on probation. Restitution will also be required.

His accomplice, Porter, was sentenced in February and is currently serving his sentence in connection to the thefts.

“This case is a perfect example of numerous agencies across the state working cooperatively to recover stolen livestock and property,” said Perrier.