Lyons Woman Accused Of Stealing Cattle In Antelope County

A 22-year-old Lyons woman is accused of stealing 34 cows and 40 calves from rural Antelope County. But more more charges could follow and involve more people.

An arrest warrant was filed Thursday against Rebecca M. Robbins stemming from actions taking place between late February and late June of this year. Antelope County Attorney Joe Abler filed the complaint against Robbins, who is also know as Rebecca Bree, for stealing cattle belonging to Wilbur Rakow of rural Neligh.

According to officials, her whereabouts are unknown at this time.

Robbins is charged with theft by deception a Class III felony; criminal attempt (theft by unlawful taking), a Class IV felony; and theft by unlawful taking, a Class III felony. 

But Robbins may not be the only one facing charges.

"This is an ongoing investigation," Joe Abler said. "We are still working to identify individuals. More suspects and more charges may follow.

According to the probably cause affidavit, the 35 cows and 40 calves were taken from Rakow on June 25 and located in Platte County. Once located, immediate arrangements were made to return the cattle to Rakow.

The affidavit said Robbins met Lawrence and Linda Klink of Columbus on Feb. 26 to sell the cows at a location about 4 1/2 miles south of the Brunswick spur on Highway 20.

The Klinks told the Antelope County Sheriff’s Department that Robbins showed the cows and claimed that they were hers. She allegedly stated that the cattle were on her dad’s property, Gregg Todd of Brunswick. The Klinks agree to buy the cattle and gave Robbins a $5,000 down payment. 

The affidavit said the Klinks continued to make cash and check payments to Robbins, totaling $16,000. 

On June 22, the Klinks reached an agreement with Robbins to take possession of the cattle, according to the affidavit, which were located 7 1/2 miles east of Highway 14 and 854 Road. Robbins allegedly told the Klinks that the cattle were on her dad’s pasture land. 

The Klints returned on June 25 with trucks and a semi to load their cattle. At 1 p.m., the Antelope County Sheriff’s office was notified by Wilbur Rakow that his cattle were stolen.

According to the affidavit, Deputy Timothy Schultz received positive identification by the Klinks that Robbins was the person who sold the cattle and claimed them as her own on June 22.

During this investigation, Schultz was made aware by Ben Martin, dispatcher at Werner Trucking in St. Edward, that their agency had been contacted by Linda Klink to haul cattle on May 19. 

Driver Ben Wagner, according to the affidavit, went to 7 1/2 miles east of Highway 14 and 854 Road (Pierce/Neligh Road) and attempted to load cattle with Robbins and Ben Johnson. Martin said they were unsuccessful, and Robbins filed a complaint with Werner Trucking. 

Another driver, Brian Harms, was sent to the same location and was able to load four cows. The affidavit says the cattle were so worked up that Harms said it would be impossible to load more.  Werner’s dispatcher - Ben Martin - said he advised Harms to unload the cattle and return to Werner Trucking.

While attempting to leave the property where the cattle were located, Robbins and Johnson allegedly stood in front of the driver’s way, wanting him to stay and load the cattle. They eventually moved and the driver returned to the St. Edward trucking office.

St. Edward Chief of police Monte Olson confirmed with Werner Trucking by photo that Robbins was the female at the scene attempting to load cattle. 

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