Sheriff's Department Seeking Ben Johnson In Cattle Theft

The Antelope County Sheriff's Department is seeking a male accomplice in the cattle theft case involving cattle owned by Wilbur Rakow of rural Neligh.

Sheriff Bob Moore said Ben Johnson, whose last known address was St. Edward, is being sought for questioning in the case. Moore said Johnson does not have a criminal record, but Robbins has a history of fleeing and has been a fugitive multiple times following arrest. 

An anonymous individual recently put up a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Robbins. Anyone with information on either Johnson or Robbins is encouraged to contact the Antelope County Sheriff's Department at 402-887-4148.


Moore said the department has received numerous tips, including sightings of Robbins, and is working with multiple agencies following up the calls. 

"I'm confident we will make an arrest in this case," Moore said. "We're working with the Nebraska State Patrol, Platte County Sheriff's Department, St. Edward Police Department and many others in this case.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed on June 26 by county attorney Joe Abler, Johnson and Robbins attempted to load cattle located 7 1/2 miles east of Highway 14 and 854 Road (Pierce/Neligh Road). Ben Martin, dispatcher at Werner Trucking in St. Edward, said they were unsuccessful at loading the cattle and Robbins filed a complaint with Werner Trucking. 


"I thought cattle rusting was something from yesteryear and not something I would have to deal with in modern times," Moore said.


Moore said he is contacting sale barns across the state for assistance with other possible sales involving Robbins and Johnson. He said this case proves the need for state-wide branding inspection.


"This opens the door for people who steal to move cattle through areas that do not have brand inspections," Moore said.

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