They’ve become known around the area as the cow thieves, and they’ve been caught. Stearns County Lieutenant Jon Lentz says he’s never seen anything like it.

"In my time here, the report of nine in a short time like that, no I have not (seen this before)," said Lt. Lentz.

Nine young cows were stolen in three days over Thanksgiving weekend, all were taken from rural farms in Stearns County. Eight other calves were taken from Todd and Douglas Counties. The suspects have been identified as 19-year-old Jesse Ronsberg of Rothsay and a 16-year-old boy from Barnesville. Their motive, according to the Sheriff’s Office, was to start up their own farm operation. While stealing so many calves from private properties might seem like a logistical nightmare, Lt. Lentz says it’s actually easier than it sounds.

"If you go into a farm site like that late at night and there’s no dog around there to alert anybody or to spook the individual, it’s a matter of walking in, being quiet, picking up a calf, and walking back to your vehicle with it," said Lt. Lentz.

Ronsberg was booked into the Wilkin County Jail on theft charges. The 16-year-old was arrested and released to his parents. His charges will be handled by the Clay County District Attorney. All of the stolen cattle have been returned to their rightful owners.