Authorities are alleging a Clark rancher stole multiple cattle from his neighbors, apparently after at least some of the animals got loose.

Mark J. Badura, who owns the Pioneer Ranch south of the Montana border, is facing a felony count of theft of cattle and a misdemeanor count of taking up estrays. The latter offense applies when a person keeps stray livestock without the knowledge or consent of their owner.

A prosecutor said Monday that Badura was “basically openly thumbing the nose at the neighbors who had lost cattle or wouldn’t return them.”

Rather than being arrested, Badura was served a summons that directed him to appear in Park County Circuit Court on Monday. He was released on a $1,000 cash bond following his afternoon appearance.

Though the charges weren’t filed until last month, the crimes are alleged to have occurred between March and June 2022; records show a state investigator recommended Badura be charged a year ago.

In an affidavit, Wyoming Livestock Board Investigator Chris Strang asserts that Badura “took possession of three yearling heifers” in early 2021 that were owned by a neighboring rancher. Badura then placed his own brand on the cows, Strang wrote, despite the heifers having already been branded and ear tagged by the neighbor.

Additionally, the investigator alleges that Badura kept four estray cattle that belonged to three other ranches and never notified the Wyoming Livestock Board that he’d taken the animals.

Wyoming law defines an estray as a cow, horse, mule, donkey or sheep that’s found running at large with unknown or disputed ownership. The law requires anyone who “takes up” an estray to notify a brand inspector, so they can try locating the owner.

While charging documents typically contain multiple pages of explanatory text, Strang’s affidavit is unusually brief, with the allegations laid out in just three sentences. Badura’s defense attorney, Rives White of Cody, noted that lack of detail while arguing for Badura to be released on his own recognizance — that is, without posting any money.

“We don’t get into the how, the why or what steps Mr. Strang investigated to figure this out,” White said. “We have conclusory statements.”

He also noted the age of the allegations and said his client is a longtime resident with no criminal history who showed up for his court date and has retained an attorney.

“There is no reason to have excessive bail or require anything other than an OR [own recognizance] bond,” White said.

Deputy Park County Prosecuting Attorney Larry Eichele, however, recommended that Badura be required to post a $10,000 surety bond or $5,000 cash bond.

Eichele told the court there’s information beyond the affidavit that “make[s] it perfectly clear that this has been something that’s been done basically openly thumbing the nose at the neighbors who had lost cattle or wouldn’t return them.”

“So I think it’s something that was done on purpose, and I think it showed a disrespect for the judicial process,” Eichele said.

Circuit Court Judge Joey Darrah ultimately required Badura to post $1,000 in cash, saying he had some concerns.

“I don’t know much more than what I’ve heard today about your case, but it’s a felony,” Darrah told the defendant. “And I’m sure Mr. White will try to punch holes in it; he’s already done that to some degree.”

The judge tentatively scheduled a preliminary hearing for March 11, where he’ll determine if there’s enough evidence for the felony case to move toward a trial in district court.