Texas man arrested in cattle cases involving nearly $200,000 in unpaid cattle purchases
Payton Dean Carroll, 25, of Barry, Texas, was arrested Aug. 21 in Chambers County on two theft of livestock warrants stemming from investigations involving nearly $200,000 in unpaid cattle purchases.
The warrants were issued in Austin and Navarro, Texas counties. Authorities allege Carroll failed to pay a combined $192,448.49 for cattle purchased through two separate livestock auctions.
The Navarro County case involves $58,857 in cattle Carroll allegedly purchased from a livestock auction and failed to pay for the livestock. The Navarro County Sheriff’s Office led the investigation with assistance from Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger Chace Fryar.
A separate investigation in Austin County involves $133,591.49 in outstanding accounts from cattle Carroll allegedly purchased from another livestock auction in 2025. Special Ranger Nathan Hale led that investigation.
The Austin County District Attorney’s Office presented the case to a grand jury Aug. 19, resulting in Carroll’s indictment. Warrants in both cases were issued Aug. 20. He was arrested Aug. 21.
Prior bad check case
Carroll was the subject of a separate investigation by the Leon County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office. He allegedly purchased 77 head of cattle from Buffalo Livestock Marketing Inc. totaling $159,604.03 in livestock using insufficient-funds checks.
The Leon County investigation began July 17 after the sheriff’s office received a report concerning the alleged transaction. Carroll was arrested on a charge of theft of property between $150,000 to $300,000, according to information provided in the case.
The case is classified as a second-degree felony based on the alleged value of the property. A conviction could carry a sentence of two to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Investigations in all three counties are ongoing.
Lacey Vilhauer can be reached at 620-227-1871 or [email protected].
