Mineola Man Arrested for Hay Scam
Posted/updated on: December 21, 2011 at 11:20 am
QUITMAN — A Mineola man has been arrested by Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) Special Ranger Larry Hand on two counts of hay theft after he allegedly conducted an online hay scam. Special Rangers Hand, Max Hartmann and Doug Hutchison investigated the case. Authorities say Steven Clues, 39, began advertising in late summer on internet hay sites. He collected funds by wire transfers on 98 round bales of hay from 2 victims worth an estimated $10,000 but failed to deliver the hay. The victims were from Fayette and Comal counties. Hand says that a Grand Jury will review the case for possible additional charges. Clues was released from the Wood County jail Saturday on a $10,000 bond.
Hand advises ranchers to be extremely cautious when using hay brokers. Get a contract, pay upon delivery when possible, or agree to one of many forms of escrow accounts to minimize your risk.
