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"Notorious" Central Texas livestock thief sentenced to 37 years

By Matthew Quick
Published  July 22, 2020 11:52am CDT
Crime and Public Safety
FOX 7 Austin

HILLSBORO, Texas - A Texas man has been sentenced to 37 years in prison for cattle theft.  

William “Willie” Rittenbaugh, 49, pleaded guilty to five felony charges that resulted in his prison sentence alongside $588,500 that he was ordered to pay in restitution to his victims.

William Rittenbaugh (Hill County Sheriff's Office)

"Central Texas cattle raisers can rest easier tonight, with a notorious livestock thief set to serve substantial time behind bars," a press release from the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association stated. 

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Rittenbaugh charges stem from crimes committed in both Hill and Limestone Counties in Central Texas. 

In Hill County, Rittenbaugh pleaded guilty to: 

  • One count, first-degree felony, misappropriation of fiduciary property. He received a 12-year sentence and was ordered to pay the victim $435,000 restitution on 511 head of cattle
  • One count, second-degree felony, misappropriation of fiduciary property. Rittenbaugh received a 10-year sentence and ordered to pay the victim $150,000 restitution on 191 head of cattle
  • Two counts, third-degree felony, theft of livestock. He received and eight-year sentence on a total of 83 head of cattle

In Limestone County, Rittenbaugh pleaded guilty to: 

  • One count, third-degree felony, theft of livestock. He received a seven-year sentence and was ordered to pay $3,500 restitution on one horse

The investigation into Rittenbaugh's crimes was lead by Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger Marvin Wills.

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Rittenbaugh’s crimes began in May of 2018 when a Hill County rancher accused him of stealing 11 head of cattle. According to authorities the missing cattle were found in Rittenbaugh’s possession, seized, and returned to the owner. 

Later that year in September, another rancher accused Rittenbaugh of failing to deliver on an agreement he made to manage more than 1,000 head of cattle and split the profits from their sale. The investigation into this accusation led to the first-degree felony misapplication of fiduciary property charge.

Rittenbaugh's crimes continued when he was charged with the third-degree felony in connection to a horse theft in Limestone County. 

In December of 2018, while out on bond, Rittenbaugh was arrested by Hill County Sheriff’s Deputies for the theft of another 72 head of cattle from the first victim.

In January of 2019, Wills secured another arrest warrant for Rittenbaugh concerning a second-degree felony misappropriation of fiduciary property.

Wills stated the case would have been more complicated if it weren't for the branded cattle and the victims’ good record keeping.

“Cases like this serve as a good reminder,” Wills said. “When it comes to theft prevention or recovery of stolen animals, nothing beats a brand.”