Cattle rustling accused face further charges as Rural Crime Squad digs deeper

Several people accused of being at the centre of WA’s biggest alleged cattle rustling bust have been hit with additional charges as police continue their investigation. Farm worker Steven McDowall and Nutrien livestock agent Daniel Wood are among five people already charged with offences linked to a major alleged cattle rustling bust by the Rural Crime Squad as part of Operation Topography. Mr Wood was charged with five counts of property laundering after allegedly using his position as a livestock agent to sell stolen cattle and a sixth count has now been added. Although Mr Wood has not yet been required to enter a plea, he has previously said he would defend the charges. He will be represented by Salerno Law’s Emma Salerno, who is also vice-chairman of the Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen’s Association. He is due to appear in the Carnarvon Magistrate’s Court on June 21. Mr McDowall, who appeared in the Perth Magistrate’s Court today but was not required to enter a plea, was charged with four counts of stealing as a servant and four of laundering property/money. It is alleged that between May and September 2020 he was part of a syndicate that stole more than 186 cattle valued at between $130,000 and $200,000. He has since been charged with a further count of stealing as a servant and one of laundering property/money. Mr McDowall will next appear before the Perth Magistrate’s Court on July 21. The West Australian previously reported the Gascoyne couple allegedly involved in the alleged theft and sale of 803 cattle worth about $800,000 also face further charges. Richard Arends and his partner Rachael Third were each facing six charges of stealing, six charges of property laundering and one charge of receiving. However, Mr Arends was further charged with attempting to gain benefits by fraud, attempting to pervert the course of justice, two counts of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, possession of stolen or unlawfully obtained property, and permitting an unlicensed person to possess a firearm/ammunition. Mr Arends was also charged with four more counts of stealing and one of property laundering. He is due to appear before the Carnarvon Magistrate’s Court on July 26. Ms Third was hit with extra charges of attempting to pervert the course of justice, two counts of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, and an extra count each of stealing and laundering. She is due to appear before the same court on June 14. Detective-Senior Sergeant Mark Howes said the further charges were laid as the investigation continued and more evidence was revealed. He said the investigation was ongoing. The fifth person, Joshua Abbott, has entered a plea of not guilty to two counts of stealing and one of property laundering, after he allegedly stole cattle and sold them for about $60,000. Mr Abbott is the only person so far charged that has been required to enter a plea. He is due to appear before the Carnarvon Magistrate’s Court on September 6.