Jasper County Sheriff's Report

Jasper County Sheriff Chuck Havard

This is not the way I envisioned starting my first sheriff’s report, but we are grieving the loss of Jasper County Sheriff’s Deputy Lesley Jo Wade. On Friday morning, December 27, 2024, she was involved in a motor vehicle accident in Angelina County and succumbed to her injuries later that afternoon. She leaves behind a husband, Chris Wade, who is a Sergeant with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office and two small children. Not only was Lesley a dedicated Sheriff’s Deputy, but she was also the epitome of a mother, wife, and friend. She will be missed greatly by not only the Sheriff’s Office, but by friends, family, and the community. Friday, January 3rd, we honored her memory with a memorial service in Lufkin, Tx. I would like to thank our citizens for the love and support that they have shown the Sheriff’s Office. Additionally, I would also like to thank all our law enforcement partners across the state for the support they have shown us.

In response to multiple requests from citizens, and as I promised during my campaign upon taking office, I immediately had the automated phone answering system removed, allowing callers to speak directly with a JCSO employee. Initially, we ask for some flexibility and patience, as this will increase the workload for our telecommunications operators.

One of my first orders of business was to have all our personnel complete a certified emergency vehicle operations driving course. Not only will this help protect our personnel and the public, it also may help drive down expensive insurance premiums for our county. We are in the process of scheduling hands-on driver training for our deputies who occasionally need to drive fast to assist citizens. I do, however, expect them to always use extreme caution and due regard for other motorists. I encourage citizens to immediately contact me or the sheriff’s office anytime you observe our deputies not operating our patrol cars in a safe manner.

Another primary responsibility as a County Sheriff is to operate a safe jail. Bright and early Thursday morning I went in and discussed my expectations for all prisoners in our jail. I can assure the citizens of Jasper County that I will do everything possible to operate one of the most efficient, cleanest, and safest jails in Texas.

We have made several drug arrests this week. Some of these arrests were made because concerned citizens contacted us about suspicious circumstances. I encourage all citizens to immediately contact the Jasper County Sheriff's Office at 409-384-5417 or Sheriff Chuck Havard at 409-289-5966.

I would like to thank former Sheriff Mitchel Newman for his support during the transition and for his many years of service to Jasper County. I want to thank the men and women of the sheriff’s office for their unwavering support of our new administration. Additionally, I would like to thank the citizens of Jasper County for giving me the opportunity to serve as Jasper County Sheriff. I can assure the people of this county I will always work hard and be available to the citizens of Jasper County and their families. There will be many challenges along the way, but we will always work hard to serve the citizens of this county.

I will do a Sheriff’s Report every Tuesday throughout my term. I’m available 24/7. My cell phone number again is 409-289-5966. Have a great week and stay safe.

Sheriff Chuck Havard