JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Felony charges have been filed against two Missouri residents accused of stealing cattle.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol said Wednesday that 20-year-old Elijah Long, of La Russell, and 19-year-old Tracey Coates Jr., of Springfield, have each been charged with eight counts of theft/stealing of livestock.

The patrol said the pair is suspected of stealing 48 head of cattle valued at about $27,000 from a Lawrence County ranch between May and September.

Long and Coates were being sought by law enforcement authorities Wednesday.