Deputy Arrests Two in ATV Theft, Trespassing Case at Jasper County Hunting Club

Photos Courtesy of JCSO

JASPER COUNTY, Texas – A Jasper County Sheriff’s Deputy arrested two people Tuesday evening after responding to a theft and trespassing call at the Melholm Hunting Club off County Road 250 in north Jasper County.

At approximately 7:14 p.m., the deputy arrived on scene and found a 2020 Dodge Charger stuck in the mud on a dirt road inside the deer lease. Nearby, an ATV was partially hidden in a wooded area. The ignition had been removed.

A member of the hunting club identified the ATV as belonging to another lease member who lives near the property. The owner arrived, confirmed it was his, and stated it had been taken from his residence without consent.

While the deputy was taking a sworn statement from the ATV owner, two suspects – Alexander Thornton, 41, and Jessica Anne Lewis, 45, both of Jasper County – arrived at the location, unaware that law enforcement was already present.

Both were detained and read their Miranda rights. According to the sheriff’s office, Thornton admitted to stealing the ATV in an attempt to free the Charger from the mud. Both suspects confirmed they had been on the property for about seven hours.

The hunting club president filed charges against Thornton and Lewis for Criminal Trespass (Class B misdemeanor). Thornton also faces a Theft of Property – Two or More Previous Convictions charge (third-degree felony). Deputies say Thornton was carrying an ignition with a Honda key in his pocket at the time of arrest.

After being transported to the Jasper County Jail, staff discovered Lewis had syringes concealed in her undergarments, though authorities noted there was not enough residue to test for a controlled substance.

Sheriff Chuck Havard said Thornton is currently on parole for theft and has a long history of similar crimes.

“When I was notified of this incident, the first picture I saw was the stuck Charger, and I knew right then these individuals weren’t very bright,” Havard said. “Hopefully, he will remain in those orange clothes for a long period of time. I want to thank our deputy for doing a great job. You just can’t make this stuff up.”

Both suspects remain in custody. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.