A Morongo Valley woman was arrested last week, accused of grand theft of a donkey. On Monday, April 4, deputies assigned to the Morongo Basin Station conducted an investigation regarding a theft of a donkey. According to a Sheriff’s press release, the investigation revealed that Stephanie Barton, 37, acquired a donkey that was destined for Hidden B Ranch Donkey Rescue in Santa Rosa Valley. The donkey was acquired during a delivery to her residence on March 13 of several other donkeys in the transport trailer.
During the delivery, the donkeys got loose and were eventually herded back into the transport trailer with one donkey belonging to the rescue left behind on Barton’s property. The owners of the donkey reportedly contacted Barton several times within a two-week time period to arrange for a pickup. Barton refused to give the donkey to its rightful owners and eventually discontinued communication altogether.
A deputy contacted Barton at her residence and discussed the situation with her in detail. After the deputy had contact with Barton, arrangements were made for the rescue to pick up the donkey at a future date and time. Two days later, Barton allegedly changed her mind and decided she would not cooperate with the rescue to return the donkey.
On Thursday, April 7, deputies assigned to the Morongo Basin Station served a search warrant at Barton’s residence to recover the donkey. During the service of the search warrant, the donkey was located, unharmed, and returned to the owners of the Hidden B Ranch Donkey Rescue.
Stephanie Barton was arrested for investigation of grand theft of a donkey and booked at the Morongo Basin Jail with her bail set at $25,000.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the Morongo Basin Station at (760)-366-4175. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME(27463) or may leave information at www.wetip.com
