TUCSON, Ariz. — Thirteen Navajo cattle ranchers did not get their stolen cattle back from cattle rustler Jared Tee, but they did get paid a lofty sale price of $50,995.26 following a June 9 ruling by a Pima County Superior Court Judge.
In Arizona Department of Agriculture vs. Jared Tee, Judge Kyle Bryson ruled that Mr. Tee, who had transported 58 cattle from Navajo County to the Marana Stockyard in Marana, Ariz., had no ownership of the head of cattle that belonged to various ranchers.
“Even had Mr. Tee been able to convince the Court he had authority to sell the cattle by other owners – which he did not – he did not establish by a preponderance of the evidence that he owned the unclaimed animals, as required by statute,” Bryson said.
A state livestock officer in Pima County seized the animals after noticing questionable branding, including fresh or double brands and an unaccompanied calf—raising concerns about ownership over the cattle.
Tee told the court he owned the cattle or had permission to sell them.
But multiple people testified that the animals had gone missing from Navajo Nation land and identified specific cattle as theirs. These individuals, called claimants, had to provide evidence—such as brand records or eyewitness accounts—to prove their claims.
Because two animals died while waiting for a hearing, all parties agreed to sell the cattle early. The court held the money from the sale until it determined rightful ownership.
The judge ruled that every claimant, except Tee, successfully proved ownership and would receive the net proceeds from the animals they identified. Tee’s claims were denied.
Proceeds from the cattle that went unclaimed were forfeited to the state, as required by law.
“This ruling affirms the integrity of our ranchers and sends a message that theft will not go unchecked,” said Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren. “We will continue to work with state and federal entities to protect the livelihood and property of the people, and this case sets a precedent of accountability to any cattle rustlers and also the responsibility of our ranchers.”
The Navajo Nation acknowledges the recent bombings and the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, and the United States’ involvement. During these challenging times, we pray for the safety and protection of all affected civilians and military personnel alike.
