Prosecutors open up series of new cases in cattle feedlot case

WARD COUNTY, N.D. (KMOT) - State prosecutors have opened up several more case files in connection with the investigation into hundreds of dead cattle found at a feedlot near Surrey earlier this year.

In March, Your News Leader reported that the Ward County Sheriff’s Office opened an investigation into the lot following reports of dead cattle. The sheriff’s office removed the animal remains from the property, and the state later charged Nathan Smith with 479 infractions—one for each animal—of improper disposal of animal carcasses.

In court records, Smith told investigators he believed they were in compliance with laws surrounding the disposal of dead animals.

Between Friday and Tuesday, prosecutors filed nine new cases, each against a different entity that had some stake with the feedlot. In each case, the party charged faces 479 infractions.

Smith was supposed to have a status conference Tuesday in the original case filed against him, but the hearing was continued. A future hearing has not been set.

It’s unclear whether any more charges will be filed. Infractions are the lowest category of criminal offense in North Dakota and involve no jail time. Those convicted may face up to $1,000 in fines.

The new parties charged include:

Ansuz, LLC, d/b/a JERA (Matthew Tharaldson)

JERA Land and the Cattle General Partnership (JERA)

Berkana, LLC, d/b/a JERA (Nathan Smith)

Gebo, LLC, d/b/a JERA (Darek Keller)

Perthro, LLC, d/b/a JERA (Andrew Smith)

North Central Consolidated Farms, LLC, d/b/a JERA (Nathan Smith)

Tiwaz, LLC, d/b/a JERA (Jacob Smith)

JAD Land and Cattle, LLC

Smith Family Land Co II, LLC