Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Agricultural & Rural Crime Unit (ARCU), working in conjunction with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, made two arrests in DeKalb County on Wednesday, May 28, 2014.
ARCU agents along with deputies from the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office arrested David Grant Fulmer, 28 of Collinsville and Eddie Ray Fulmer, 31 of Albertville. David Fulmer is charged with two counts of theft of property first-degree. Eddie Fulmer is also charged with two counts of theft of property first-degree, receiving stolen property third-degree and promoting prison contraband. Both men were booked into the DeKalb County Detention Center with the possibility of additional charges pending.
The investigation started after approximately 50 head of cattle were reported missing in the New Harmony community between May 13th and May 24th. Farm equipment was also reported stolen. Two cattle were found shot on County Road 458 on May 25th and ARCU was notified.
ARCU Commander Gene Wiggins said, “ARCU investigators specialize in agricultural and rural crimes. Through strategic partnerships with local law enforcement throughout the state, over the past 10 months, our unit has investigated over 100 cases, made 55 arrests and recovered more than $1.5 million in stolen property.”
The ARCU partners with local law enforcement to investigate agriculture and rural crimes such as theft of farm animals, farm equipment, fraud, and agroterrorism. Under a directive from Governor Robert Bentley, the ARCU was the first unit established as part of the consolidation of state law enforcement agencies and works directly out of the Office of the Secretary of Law Enforcement. Many counties have offered rewards to those that can provide leads tied to these cases. In addition, the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association offers a $1,000 reward to anyone providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of someone caught stealing cattle from one of its member’s farm. To report a Rural Crime or to provide a tip call 1-855-75CRIME.
Dr. Billy Powell, Executive Vice President of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association said “This is the best rural crime investigative unit we have ever had in Alabama and it comes at a great time. Cattle are selling at record prices and farmers simply cannot afford to lose these valuable assets to any criminals”. Powell continued that ARCU had been formed for less than one year and they have successfully made numerous arrests affiliated with cattle and farm equipment theft. “The bottom line is this - if you steal cattle or farm equipment today the ARCU working with local law enforcement officials will catch you.”
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The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) was created by Act 2013-67 and represents the consolidation and realignment of 12 state law enforcement agencies/functions into one entity. ALEA is currently in a transition period, and upon full implementation on January 1, 2015, will be responsible for the functions and missions of the Alabama Department of Homeland Security, Department of Public Safety, Alabama Bureau of Investigation, Fusion Center, Criminal Justice Information Center, Marine Police, Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Enforcement, Department of Revenue Enforcement, Forestry Commission Investigations, Agricultural and Industry Investigations, Public Service Commission Enforcement, and Office of Prosecution Service Computer Forensics Lab.
