|
|
|
Date Posted / Updated: Home Press Release Index
RIVERSIDE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
Sheriff Stanley Sniff
Cabazon Station
PRESS RELEASE
Update: Booking Photo Added 01-06-09 Date/Time Written: January 5, 2010 Type of Incident: Grand Theft of Cattle Date/Time of Incident: December 29, 2009 / 0900 hours Location(s) of Incident: Morongo Indian Reservation, Cabazon Reporting Officer: Sergeant Coby Webb File Number: B 09 363 0005
Steven Seick, 47 years Details:
On December 29, 2009, at 9:00 AM, deputies assigned to the Cabazon Sheriff’s Station received information of individuals possibly stealing cattle from the area of Cottonwood north of Boulder Drive in Whitewater. A multi-agency investigation was subsequently initiated by detectives from the Cabazon Sheriff’s Station, in coordination with officers of the Morongo Indian Tribal Patrol and the State Branding Inspector. Initial investigation determined that cattle belonging to the tribe had been stolen on several occasions from the Morongo Tribal Cattleman Association. During the ensuing investigation, Steven Seick, 47 years old, from Cherry Valley, was identified as having attempted to sell stolen cattle through an auction house in Ontario, California.
Further investigation revealed that Mr. Seick and one or more juveniles may have been involved in the initial cattle thefts, and attempts to apply a legitimate appearing “brand” on the cattle to facilitate the sale of the cattle. Inspectors from the Euclid Stockyard in Ontario who recognized the cattle’s unique breed as belonging to the Morongo Tribal Cattleman Association, in turn notified law enforcement and cooperated with the investigation.
Mr. Seick was subsequently arrested and booked on six counts of grand theft of cattle. The cattle consisted of five cows, a bull, and three calves, and were valued at over $3,600.00. At least one juvenile believed to have been involved in the cattle thefts was detained and was subsequently released to his parents, with charges of Grand Theft to be filed out of custody with the Juvenile Division of the District Attorney’s Office.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, in partnership with the Morongo Tribal Patrol, provides contracted law enforcement services to the Morongo Reservation and works closely together to deter and prevent crime that impacts the quality of life of its tribal members, its valued guests, and tribal interests.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact investigators at the Cabazon Sheriff's Station located at 50290 Main Street, Cabazon or by phone at (951) 922-7100.
###
Home
