A months long investigation by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Crime Unit has ended with a stolen horse back home and two Monroe County women facing felony theft charges.
The case started in June when a horse owner reported that two of her horses had disappeared from her property. Special Agent Clinton Brookshire took the lead on the investigation, working alongside a Monroe County Sheriff’s detective to track down what happened. Investigators determined that one of the missing horses, an Appaloosa worth roughly $5,000, had been taken and then advertised for sale online. A buyer in Northeast Tennessee had already purchased the animal before agents caught up with the case.
Brookshire’s investigation led to the horse being located, recovered, and returned safely to its original owner. Agents also recovered the money the buyer had paid for the horse and returned those funds as well.
Warrants were issued for Shaleah Leann Peels and Kyleigh Marie Shell, both of Monroe County. Both women turned themselves in at the Monroe County Justice Center, where they were booked on charges of Theft of Property over $5,000 and Attempted Theft.
State officials say the case highlights the financial toll livestock theft takes on Tennessee’s agricultural community. Agriculture Commissioner Andy Holt said the department’s Agricultural Crime Unit remains focused on protecting farmers and livestock owners statewide, working closely with local law enforcement to build cases that hold offenders accountable.
ACU Chief Greg Whitehead called the case a strong example of how coordination between state agents and local detectives can lead to a recovered animal and a solid prosecution. He encouraged livestock owners across the state to report suspicious activity right away so agents can respond quickly.
The Agricultural Crime Unit investigates a wide range of crimes affecting Tennessee’s farming community, including livestock theft, timber theft, equipment theft, and crop theft. Ten special agents cover the state, each responsible for roughly nine to twelve counties stretching from Memphis to Mountain City. The unit logged 47 cases in July 2026 alone.
Anyone with information on agricultural crimes is asked to call 844-AG-CRIME (844-242-7463) or email the Agricultural Crime Unit directly.