Former Oklahoma police officer charged with stealing 178 cows

A former Sallisaw police officer is headed to trial for livestock theft after two Oklahoma livestock markets show the man sold cattle for more than $70,000.

According to an arrest affidavit filed in January 2011, Wendel Don Hughes, 36, sold 178 head of cattle at two northeastern Oklahoma livestock markets. The former officer faces 31 counts of larceny of domestic animals.

Hughes allegedly stole the cattle from Mark and Roger Sweeney. Seven witnesses testified in a preliminary hearing on March 16 and 19.

In a related case, The Oklahoman reports Hughes was shot in the chest in February 2011 and blamed Mark Sweeney. He later admitted to accidentally shooting himself as a result of stress from the case.

Hughes was charged with false reporting of a crime.

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