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  • NEWSROOM: MICHAEL BENNETT ARRESTED IN TIMBER THEFT INVESTIGATION

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    February 25, 2020

    Michael Bennett arrested in timber theft investigation

    COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Texas A&M Forest Service law enforcement investigators arrested James Michael “Mike” Bennett of Cleveland, Texas for Timber Purchase as a Trustee with Intent to Defraud on Feb. 13, 2020 in Montgomery County. Bennett, 55, was charged with a state jail felony as the timber was valued between $500 and $20,000.

    “Timber theft is more common than most people realize and most cases begin with an agreed upon contract. Victims deserve to be made whole and as a department, we seek justice for these individuals,” said Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement Investigator David Colton.

    To prevent timber theft, landowners should:
    • Visit their property frequently.
    • Have someone they know and trust report any cutting on their land immediately.
    • Never sign a contract without checking several references of the buyer.
    • For the best price, insist on getting bids for their timber.
    • Mark all property lines to assure cutting on adjacent property does not encroach on theirs.
    • Utilize trail/deer cameras on their property that can record suspicious activity or individuals.
    • Always hold their timber contractor to the agreed upon terms.

    Landowners who are unfamiliar with selling their timber are urged to contact their local Texas A&M Forest Service office. Agency field staff assists landowners with the process of securing the services of a professional resource manager to help select trees for harvest, estimate values and find potential buyers.

    To report suspected timber theft or suspicious activity, call the Texas A&M Forest Service law enforcement timber theft hotline at 1-800-364-3470.

    Visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/lawenforcement/reporttimbertheft/ for more information.

    The Texas A&M Forest Service law enforcement department works diligently with local officials to help bring those responsible for timber theft and other violations of the natural resource code to justice.

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    Contacts:

    David Colton, Law Enforcement Investigator, Texas A&M Forest Service, 409-200-5115, dcolton@tfs.tamu.edu

    Texas A&M Forest Service Communications Office, 979-¬458-6606, newsmedia@tfs.tamu.edu
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