Man Pleads Guilty in Federal Case Involving Winneshiek County Cattle Sales

Our Driftless region deserves more than postcards — it deserves a watchdog. Be that support. A Minnesota farmhand admitted in federal court to stealing at least $150,000 worth of cattle and grain from his employer over several years, including cattle transported and sold in Winneshiek County, according to court records. Lawrence "Larry" Patrick Burns, 48, of Eitzen, Minnesota, pleaded guilty May 8 in federal court in Cedar Rapids to one count of transportation of stolen livestock. According to the plea agreement, Burns worked as a farmhand in Minnesota between October 2017 and March 2024, transporting cattle and grain to locations in Iowa, Minnesota and Missouri as part of his job duties. Federal prosecutors said Burns used his role to secretly load additional cattle and grain without the farmer's knowledge and sell them in his own name. Court records state Burns falsely claimed partial ownership of some of the cattle and grain he transported across state lines. Burns admitted to stealing at least $150,000 worth of cattle and grain during that time, according to federal prosecutors. Two of the incidents outlined in the plea agreement involved sales in Winneshiek County. On Jan. 29, 2024, Burns transported 10 stolen cattle from Minnesota to Winneshiek County and sold them for more than $20,000, according to court documents. In another incident on March 18, 2024, Burns transported 13 additional stolen cattle to Winneshiek County and sold them for more than $29,000. The case was investigated by the Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office. Burns faces up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release. Sentencing will be scheduled after a presentence investigation report is completed. Be the first to know! Sign up for the free newsletter and unlock exclusive updates, breaking news, and tips from around the community.