A joint investigation by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Crime Unit (ACU) and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office has led to the recovery of a stolen $5,000 Appaloosa horse and the arrests of two local women.

Shaleah Leann Peels and Kyleigh Marie Shell, both of Monroe County, surrendered to the Monroe County Justice Center after warrants were issued for their arrest. Both face felony charges of Theft of Property over $5,000 and Attempted Theft.

The case unfolded after a livestock owner reported two horses missing from her property in June. ACU Special Agent Clinton Brookshire determined that the Appaloosa had been stolen, listed for sale online, and subsequently sold to an unwitting buyer in Northeast Tennessee.

Agent Brookshire tracked down the stolen horse, successfully returning it to its rightful owner. Investigators were also able to recover and return the buyer’s purchase money.

“Livestock theft is a serious crime that affects not only the animals involved but also the livelihoods of Tennessee producers,” Agriculture Commissioner Andy Holt said in a statement emphasizing the state’s commitment to holding offenders accountable.

The ACU, which handles agricultural crimes statewide ranging from timber and equipment theft to livestock recovery, investigated 47 cases in July 2026 alone.

Tennessee residents can report suspicious agricultural activity to the ACU by calling 844-AG-CRIME or emailing [email protected].