Brookeland ISD Theft Solved — Stolen Utility Vehicle Found, Two Behind Bars

JASPER COUNTY, Texas — A swift investigation by Jasper County Sheriff’s Office investigators led to the arrest of two Brookeland men and the recovery of a stolen Brookeland ISD (BISD) utility vehicle earlier this week.

According to Sheriff Chuck Havard, his office was contacted on October 14, 2025, by officials with Brookeland ISD after school staff discovered a theft at the district’s maintenance shop that occurred October 9, 2025. The stolen property included a utility vehicle, tools, and other items.

A BISD official provided surveillance photos of a possible suspect, which were turned over to Investigator Calvin Starkie, who was assigned the case. Through his investigation, Starkie quickly identified a suspect and was able to connect the individual to several additional thefts and burglaries in the area.

On Thursday afternoon, Investigator Starkie received information on the location of the stolen utility vehicle. He coordinated with Texas Game Warden Brooks Yeates, Jasper Police Department Detective Robert Twine, and fellow JCSO investigators to locate and recover the vehicle at a residence off FM 252 in Erin.

Two suspects — Dustin Harry Jackson, 33, of Brookeland, and James Ryan Smith, 25, of Brookeland — were taken into custody.

• Both men were charged with Theft (State Jail Felony).

• Smith also faces charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance (Third-Degree Felony) and Possession of Marijuana (Class B Misdemeanor).

Both suspects were transported to the Jasper County Jail, where additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues. The recovered utility vehicle will be returned to Brookeland ISD once processing is complete.

Sheriff Havard expressed his gratitude for the teamwork and dedication shown throughout the case.

“Investigator Starkie worked many hours on this case in the last 48 hours. He’s one of the best investigators in the state and he’s relentless — once he’s on you, you’re got,” Havard said. “I can’t thank him enough for the work he does on behalf of the citizens of our county and our Sheriff’s Office. These two are right where they belong — in our jail.”

Havard also thanked Texas Game Warden Yeates and Detective Twine for their tireless assistance, calling them “tremendous assets” to the investigation.

Both individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.