Dusty Rides Again; Convicted Cattle Thief Files Appeal

SAN ANGELO, TX – Convicted felon Dusty Thompson has changed attorneys and filed an appeal of his felony conviction for stealing cattle. 

According to the notice of appeal filed  Wednesday with the Tom Green County District Clerk's office, Thompson has filed a written notice of appeal to the Texas Third Court of Criminal Appeals from the judgment of conviction and sentence.  

The appeal is signed by San Angelo attorney J. W. Johnson.  Thompson had been represented by local attorney Gonzalo Rios in his jury trial and motion for a new trial.  

In a response from the Third Court of Appeals, Thompson is requested to forward a 'docketing statement' which is the primary source of if information about the appeal.  the appeals court also requested a 'Challenge to Constitutionality of a State Statute' form if necessary. 

Thompson's attorney has until Feb. 10, 2020 to file the necessary documentation.  

As we reported earlier, a Tom Green County jury found Thompson guilty of theft of livestock, a third degree felony, on Nov. 20, 2019.  

Thompson and Rios filed a motion for a new trial which was heard by District Judge Carmen Dusek on Jan. 22, 2020.  Dusek denied his motion for a new trial. 

The jury found Thompson guilty of theft of livestock and sentenced to him to five years in prison.  The jury suspended the sentence and he was placed on community supervision probation and ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.