Jasper County Sheriff's Report
It’s been a great week in Jasper County. We are still in the process of setting up offices and issuing equipment to our staff. We have fresh paint in the lobby and are now working our way throughout the jail with paint. I want to thank our paint trustees for the job they are doing to freshen up our building.
We added a new officer, K9 Leroy to our staff. He is a Belgian Malinois who is certified as a dual-purpose patrol/narcotics K9. He received his patrol training in Europe and his narcotics training in the State of Louisiana. Leroy has been in law enforcement for 6 years and his handler, Lieutenant Chad Ainsworth is a 32-year law enforcement veteran.
On January 8th, the Jasper County Sheriff's Office received a report from Kirbyville High School. Our deputies and Kirbyville Police immediately responded to the call and were on campus within minutes. Two juveniles were taken into custody. This is still an active investigation.
On January 8th, Sargeant Kasey Hawthorne arrested Monte Joseph Rollan and Cody Allen Mick, both of Jasper. They were placed in the Jasper County Jail and charged with Theft of Material, a state jail felony. Great work Sergeant Hawthorne and Commissioner Kevin Holloway and his employee for reporting the suspicious activity.
On January 10th, I was patrolling Cougar Country in Buna and arrested Steven Dwitt Marks, 45, of Buna. He was brought to the Jasper County Jail. He had several misdemeanor warrants, and a felony warrant for Possession of a Controlled Substance.
On January 12th, Deputy Matt Harrell received a call regarding a trespasser in Buna. The suspect, Courtney Lisenby, 34, of Buna, fled the scene and was located a short time later riding a bicycle. Deputy Harrell stopped her and during the investigation, discovered a clear-like substance believed to be methamphetamines. She was arrested and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance, a state jail felony. Excellent work, Deputy Harrell.
On January 13th, we conducted a fugitive apprehension operation in north Jasper County. We placed two in custody and took them to the Jasper County Jail. During the operation, it was discovered there were several items on the property with altered/obliterated VIN numbers. The property was seized, and the investigation is still pending.
National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day was last week. We were treated to Chuck’s Bar-B-Que in Evadale. It was great. Thank you for that. The men and women of our sheriff’s office appreciated all the kind words and support shown to us. I would like to say thank you to all of our deputies, telecommunications operators, and jailers for the job they do day in and day out. I am proud to work with these men and women.
We are in the process of hiring a mental health deputy. This position is vital and crucial to the operation of the sheriff’s office. We have a responsibility to ensure that we are doing everything that we can to provide mental health resources to the people in need. I spent several days last week with mental health officials, medical professionals, and members of the clergy discussing ways to assist with chemical dependency/drug addiction. Although we will work very hard bringing people to justice, we will also work just as hard trying to get help to people in need.
Also on January 13th, our police academy here in Jasper began. There are 18 individuals who have stepped up and became police cadets. We wish them the best during this training and are thankful for Angelina College conducting this training in our county.
I would like to take a moment to thank our District Attorney, Anne Pickle. She and her staff have been available to us anytime day or night. She works tirelessly to ensure her office gives us proper guidance. It is our job to submit good solid cases to her office. Thank you, Ms. Pickle.
It is a privilege and honor to represent the people of Jasper County as your sheriff. My cell phone number is 409-289-5966. Please do not hesitate to contact me at any time. I’m available 24/7.
Stay safe,
Sheriff Chuck Havard
