Name: Mini Cooper Gender: Gelding Species: Horse Breed: Pony Description: Mini "Cooper" is a 21-year-old, flashy, 12.1 hand, pinto pony gelding with two knobby knees that was last seen in Valley Center, CA in March 2022.
WHAT HAPPENED TO MINI COOPER --> The man we leased Cooper to was arrested on 4/12/22 in Valley Center, CA for the Grand Theft of our horse Mini Cooper ("Cooper"). We need the public's help locating Cooper as this man refuses to disclose where he rehomed him.
KNOWN FACTS:
* The man who stole Cooper listed him for sale in the February 2022 edition of the California Horsetrader for $5,000. This man was NOT the legal owner of Cooper and had no authority to sell him.
* On 6/6/21, we ended the Feed Lease we had had with this man since July 2016. He refused to return Cooper and claimed in writing that he could never part with Cooper due to his personal relationship with him, his god-daughter's relationship with Cooper, and the "special bond" between Cooper and his gelding.
* We then consulted with an Equine Attorney and learned we risked the courts awarding a monetary value for Cooper instead of ordering his return. We did not want to risk that so we began searching for other options to legally reclaim our horse.
* On 3/11/22 we were informed by the agent we had assigned to oversee Cooper's care during the Feed Lease (our close friend and also a friend, neighbor & landlord of the man who had Cooper) that Cooper was missing.
* We reported the theft of Cooper to the authorities and eventually an arrest was made, including two felony charges. Unfortunately, the man refused to disclose to the authorities where Cooper is so we NEED YOUR HELP!
* We absolutely believe that whomever has Cooper likely knew nothing about the theft and is a victim of this man as well. We will work with whomever has Cooper to seek full financial restitution from the man that illegally sold our horse. Area Last Seen: Valley Center, CA, 92082 Date Last Known: 3/11/2022 Contact
12/29/2022 3:12:00 PM
https://www.facebook.com/CoopertheMissingPony
Debi
10/19/2022 11:34:00 AM
3/12/22 update by owner: UPDATE: We can now update everyone that the man that took Cooper was arrested on 04/12/22 for two felonies, including the Grand Theft of Cooper. We still have not found Cooper as this man refuses to speak to authorities about it. Please keep Cooper in your prayers as we seek justice in this case.
Debi
8/7/2022 8:26:00 AM
8/4/22 update by owner Trina Guenther West: Copeland was arrested on 4/12/22 and charged with two felonies pertaining to the theft of Cooper: (1) Grand Theft (F) and (2) Witness Tampering (F). He bailed out and his attorney has postponed the last two Readiness Conferences. We also have a civil case this month but had to go to Small Claims due to $15k retainer for regular civil court.
Debi
8/6/2022 6:53:00 AM
Cooper the stolen pony Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/104190315660719/posts/104224248990659/
Debi
6/10/2022 12:50:00 AM
Arrest was made on 04/12/22! The wheels of justice turn slow but at least they are moving.
Trina & Jay