OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — On Friday, Michael Hooper, of Temple, was announced as the next Chief Agent of the Agriculture Investigative Unit at the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry.
“With just over 18 years of tenure at the Department and extensive experience with agriculture investigation, Michael Hooper is extremely well-suited to serve as Chief Agent,” said Secretary of Agriculture, Blayne Arthur. “He has done an exceptional job investigating as a Special Agent for the past 18 years, and I am eager to see him lead in this new capacity.”
Hooper started with ODAFF in 2001 as an auditor for the grain warehouse program under what was then called the Legal Services Division. In 2003, he redirected his focus to agriculture investigations. In 2007, he was assigned as the Special Agent for the Southwestern part of the state, where he assisted the citizens of 14 counties who fell victim to agricultural crime.
“I am looking forward to ensuring Investigative Services continues to protect the agriculture producers of Oklahoma,” said Hooper. “Being named Chief Agent is a humbling honor and a huge opportunity to continue further assisting agriculture producers and livestock owners of Oklahoma.”
Hooper is no stranger to the agriculture industry; his family has owned cattle and farmed for as long as he can remember. His grandfather had a cattle operation and Hooper and his children continued ranching with their own herd after his passing.
“The most rewarding part of this job is closing a case and bringing a producers’ livelihood back to normalcy,” said Hooper. “There is nothing more fulfilling than when justice is served for the folks in the agriculture community.”
The Investigative Services Unit of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry is charged by Statute with investigating agriculture crimes. Investigative Services specializes in the investigation of crimes of livestock theft, agriculture equipment theft, timber theft and wild land fire arson. Should you need to utilize their services and expertise, you may contact the main office at 405-522-6102 or by email at investigative.services@ag.ok.gov.