Clown Falls into Shadowy World of Cattle Rustling
Four-time world champ rodeo clown absconds with 300 head of cattle
Thursday, Jul 2, 2009 | Updated 10:30 AM CDT
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This is not a photo of convicted cattle rustler and rodeo clown Michael Eugene Matt. His photo was not available. This clown's photo has been cropped to further protect his identity.
A four-time world champion rodeo clown has been sentenced to five years probation and ordered to pay $15,000 in restitution for helping abscond with 300 head of cattle.
The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association on Wednesday released the results of the case against Michael Eugene Matt, 36, of Blanco. He was sentenced in mid-June.
The cattle, worth about $244,000, were taken from a ranch in Oklahoma.
Matt is a four-time world champion Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Professional Bull Riders bullfighter and rodeo performer.
His accomplice in the case, Traven Wayne Clifft, 22, of McAlester, Okla., pleaded guilty in February and was also sentenced to five years probation and ordered to pay more than $130,000 in restitution.
