Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) Brand Commission inspectors and Iberville Sheriff’s officers arrested two Baton Rouge men Nov. 14 on one count each of felony theft, Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., said.

Christopher Bourgeois, 20, 6732 Juniper Dr., Baton Rouge, and Mario Harris, 23, 10210 Ave. L, Apt. 115, Baton Rouge, were arrested for allegedly stealing tractor equipment valued over $3,500. The duo received $306 for the tractor equipment at a scrap metal yard.

According to a report filed by a Rosedale farmer, 24 counter weights from the front-end of three tractors, along with three farm implement shanks, were stolen from his property.

Fifteen of the counter weights and all three implement shanks were recovered and returned to the owner.

Livestock Brand Commission personnel investigate all agricultural crimes in Louisiana including theft of livestock (cattle, equine, hogs, emus, ostriches, turtles, sheep and exotics), farm machinery and equipment.

All enforcement personnel are commissioned by Louisiana State Police and have full police powers in the performance of their duties.