Texas A&M Forest Service arrests Texarkana man after nine-month investigation into alleged timber theft; official says allegations relate to man's activities while employed at Ark-La-Tex Logging and Forestry in Arkansas

Wendy Lisney

COLLEGE STATION, Texas , April 7, 2014 (press release) – An on-going timber theft investigation resulted in the arrest of one man in Bowie County.

Texas A&M Forest Service law enforcement investigators arrested Christopher Clay Sprayberry, of Texarkana on nine felony warrants issued by Upshur County.

The joint investigation involving TFS law enforcement and the Upshur County District Attorney Billy Byrd’s office began nine months ago after various reports and allegations were made against Sprayberry while employed at Ark-La-Tex Logging and Forestry in Texarkana, Ark.

“We have been working closely with Mr. Byrd and his staff in Upshur County on the reported allegations made against Ark-La-Tex Logging and Forestry representatives and this arrest is a direct result of those on-going investigations,” said TFS Chief of Law Enforcement Les Rogers.

“By all accounts, this is another example of someone taking advantage of our citizens. I applaud the efforts of the Forest Service for their tireless work and dedication to see this man brought to justice,” said Upshur County District Attorney Billy Byrd. While these investigations are very time consuming, these indictments should stand as a warning for other individuals that might consider stealing timber and robbing our natural resources.”

TFS also continues to work closely with county officials on allegations against other individuals and organizations operating in Harrison and Panola counties.

Timber theft is a crime that potentially affects everyone. Timber owners incur monetary loss and the removal of natural resources without reforestation methods to ensure new forests for the future.

To help property owners avoid timber theft tactics, the Texas A&M Forest Service advises:

• Have someone you know and trust report any cutting on your land immediately.
• Never sign a contract without checking several references of the buyer.
• For the best price insist on getting bids for your timber.
• Mark all property lines to assure cutting on adjacent property does not encroach on yours.
• If you do not know the timber business, find someone to help determine volumes, current prices and potential bidders.

* All content is copyrighted by Industry Intelligence, or the original respective author or source. You may not recirculate, redistrubte or publish the analysis and presentation included in the service without Industry Intelligence's prior written consent. Please review our terms of use.