The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest in connection with nearly a dozen cattle found dead and buried near Henry Coe Park in central California in June.
Marc Belluomini, 54, of Fremont was arrested Monday on 11 counts of animal abuse, two counts of illegal cattle driving, and one count of brandishing a weapon. His bail has been set at $200,000.
On June 14, the Sheriff’s Office was called to the Morgan Hill Ranch when nine cows were found in a makeshift shallow grave. A day later, it was confirmed that 11 had died.
Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating a case involving several dead and buried cattle near Henry Coe Park in rural Santa Clara County. Sheriff Smith available for media 3:30pm @SCCoSheriff HQ. pic.twitter.com/8eKnTnUcaI
— SantaClaraCoSheriff (@SCCoSheriff) June 14, 2018
Authorities believe the property owner and rancher clashed when the rancher wanted to take back his 60 head of cattle and the property owner refused to unlock the gate. When the livestock were finally released, the owner claimed at least 26 were missing.