Jasper County Grand Jury Indicts Former ‘Lone Star Law’ Game Warden Justin Eddins With Timber Theft, Evidence Tampering, and Fraud Charges
- Rita Shipp
- Jan 20
- 2 min read
JASPER COUNTY, Texas — Criminal cases against former Texas Parks & Wildlife Game Warden and Lone Star Law television personality Justin Charles Eddins, 47, have expanded again, with a Jasper County grand jury returning three new felony indictments during the January 2026 grand jury term.
Court records show the Jasper County indictments allege timber theft, tampering with evidence, and false statements to obtain property or credit, marking the first confirmed criminal filings against Eddins in his home county. The new cases are in addition to previously reported felony indictments out of San Augustine and Sabine counties.
Three Jasper County Indictments Filed
According to the indictments, Eddins faces the following charges in Jasper County district court:
Harvesting Standing Timber (Third-Degree Felony)
In one indictment, grand jurors allege that on or about September 14, 2024, Eddins intentionally and knowingly harvested standing timber without the effective consent of the owner, identified as Kevin Gardner. The value of the timber is alleged to be more than $20,000 but less than $100,000.
Tampering With or Fabricating Physical Evidence (Third-Degree Felony)
A second indictment alleges that on or about August 21, 2025, Eddins knowingly destroyed records — specifically text messages — with the intent to impair their availability as evidence in an investigation or official proceeding. The indictment references alleged underlying offenses involving false statements to obtain credit and harvesting standing timber.
False Statement to Obtain Property or Credit (Third-Degree Felony)
A third indictment alleges that on or about November 27, 2024, Eddins intentionally and knowingly made materially false or misleading written statements to Southside Bank by failing to disclose personal debts, with the intent to obtain credit. The amount of credit involved is alleged to be $30,000 or more but less than $150,000.
Broader Multi-County Case
As previously reported by East Texas Banner, Eddins was indicted in San Augustine County in late 2025 on felony allegations involving false statements to obtain credit tied to large-dollar loans. Weeks later, a Sabine County grand jury returned three additional felony indictments alleging similar credit-fraud offenses involving multiple financial institutions.
With the newly filed Jasper County cases, Eddins now faces felony charges across three East Texas counties, each proceeding independently through the court system.
Legal Status
All charges remain allegations only. Eddins has not been convicted of any of the offenses, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Each case remains pending in district court, and future hearings, filings, or trial settings are expected.
Ongoing Coverage
East Texas Banner will continue monitoring court records in Jasper, San Augustine, and Sabine counties and will provide updates as additional information becomes available.
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