Contract Nurse Arrested for Allegedly Smuggling Cell Phones into Jasper County Jail

Amanda Finch, 39, of Kirbyville, is escorted by investigators following her arrest on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, in connection with an investigation into contraband smuggled into the Jasper County Jail, according to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office. Photo Courtesy of Jasper County Sheriff's Office.

JASPER, Texas — A contract nurse working inside the Jasper County Jail was arrested Monday afternoon following an investigation into contraband being smuggled into the secured area of the facility, according to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Chuck Havard said Criminal Investigations Division (CID) investigators arrested Amanda Finch, 39, of Kirbyville, at approximately 3:25 p.m. on December 29. Finch is employed by Southern Health Partners and was contracted as a nurse at the Jasper County Jail.

The investigation began the evening prior, on December 28, at approximately 6 p.m., after Sheriff Havard received information indicating illegal contraband was being brought into the jail. Investigators immediately initiated an inquiry, during which a cellular device was located inside a secured area of the jail.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the investigation revealed Finch allegedly provided multiple cell phones to inmates on several occasions while they were in custody. Under Texas Penal Code §38.11, smuggling prohibited items into a correctional facility is a felony offense.

Finch was taken into custody and booked into the Jasper County Jail, where she is charged with Prohibited Item in a Correctional Facility, a third-degree felony. She is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

“I want to commend our investigators for moving at warp speed and placing this individual in our jail,” Sheriff Havard said in a statement. “Anytime someone jeopardizes the safety and security of our facility, we will deal with them in a quick and swift manner.”

Sheriff Havard also expressed appreciation to assisting agencies, including the Jasper Police Department Safe Streets Division and the Southeast Texas Violent Crime Task Force, for their support during the investigation.

The case remains under investigation.