Horse Trader Pleads Guilty

A Texas horse trader pleaded guilty in San Diego federal court to conspiracy to defraud an insurance company in a scheme in which eight horses were driven off a cliff so death benefits could be collected on the animals. Bobby Griffin, 45, of Lufkin, Tex., faces sentencing May 23 for plotting to defraud Hartford Fire Insurance Co., which insured the horses for $81,000. A second defendant, Leonard Keith Autterson, 48, of Lakeside, pleaded guilty to the same charge. Assistant U.S. Atty. Patrick Coughlin said both men have agreed to cooperate with the government and testify at the trial of four co-defendants. Griffin faces a maximum five-year term, but Coughlin said his office will recommend probation and a $1,000 fine. Probation will also be recommended for Autterson.