Suspect arrested on charge of timber theft in Liberty County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 15, 2025

Suspect arrested on charge of timber theft in Liberty County

LIBERTY, Texas - Gabriel Burress, 37, of Rye, Texas, was arrested Wednesday, Jan.15, 2025, in Liberty County for Unauthorized Harvesting of Timber valued between $500 - $20,000, a state jail felony.

Burress was arrested by the Liberty County Sheriff's Office Criminal Interdiction Unit and Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement Department after a warrant was issued by Judge Cody Parrish, Justice of the Peace Precinct 3, on Jan. 14, 2025.

The victims in this case are the landowners of approximately 1/2 acre, among a series of 1/2- acre tracts, in Liberty County who do not permanently reside on this property. The landowners' property, along with adjoining properties, was harvested while they were not present. A timber theft tip was submitted to the Texas A&M Forest Service Timber Theft Hotline by several concerned neighboring landowners.

A formal investigation into the suspicious timber harvesting began Dec. 17, 2024, by the Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement Department. This investigation revealed that Burress had no authorization from the landowners to harvest timber.

"Through the diligent work by Investigator Marshall Odom and with the help of Liberty County Sheriff's Office, we were able to locate and arrest Burress without incident," said Josh Mizrany, Texas A&M Forest Service Assistant Chief Law Enforcement Officer. "Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement Department works to protect Texas timberland owners and their natural resource assets."

While Burress was arrested for Unauthorized Harvesting of Timber, additional charges will be filed against him due to new implications of HB1772 (Timber Asset Protection Act) that took effect Sept. 1, 2023.

"Marshall Odom, Texas A&M Forest Service's investigator, did an excellent job of finding the suspect that hauled the logs, interviewing him and providing me with probable cause to sign this warrant," said Judge Parrish. "Timber theft in the north end of Liberty County needs to be decreased."

Burress' hearing will be held in district court at a later date. If convicted, Burress could face up to two years in a state jail facility and/or a $10,000 fine.

Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement Officers are asking that any landowners in the Big Thicket Lake Estates area to visit their property to inspect for any unauthorized timber removal.

To prevent timber theft, landowners should:

• Visit their property frequently.
• Have someone they know and trust report any cutting on their land immediately.
• Never sign a contract without checking several references of the buyer.
• Insist on getting bids for their timber.
• Mark all property lines to assure cutting on adjacent property does not encroach on theirs.
• Utilize trail/deer cameras on their property that can record suspicious activity or individuals.
• Always hold their timber contractor to the agreed upon term.

Landowners who are unfamiliar with selling their timber are urged to contact their local Texas A&M Forest Service office. Texas A&M Forest Service field staff assists landowners with the process of securing the services of a professional resources manager to help select trees for harvest, estimate values and find potential buyers.

To report suspected timber theft or suspicious activity, call the Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement Timber Theft Hotline at 1-800-364-3470. The Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement Department works with local officials to help bring those responsible for timber theft and other violations of the natural resources code to justice.

To contact a Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement Investigator your area, please visit https://ticc.tamu.edu/Documents/Home/LE_Map.pdf .

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Timber Theft Hotline: 1-800-364-3470
Texas A&M Forest Service Contacts:
Josh Mizrany, Assistant Chief Law Enforcement Officer, [email protected] , 936-295-5688

Communications Office, [email protected] , 979-458-6606

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