Why is David being questioned by his jailers in the opening pages of the novel, Jumping Off to Freedom?

David, the central character, begins the novel in jail where he has been held for questioning about the butchering of a stateowned cow. Although he had little to do with the crime, the mere fact that he came under suspicion means that he will be watched by the government for the rest of his life. One false step and he would go to prison to stay.