Jasper County Sheriff’s Report - 10/14/2025

Newsflash: As of 8 a.m. this morning, a BURN BAN is in effect!

This past week I, along with my staff attended the National Night Out hosted by the Jasper Police Department at Sandy Creek Park. This annual event promotes neighborhood safety through community building and provides a stronger partnership between law-enforcement and our community. I’d like to give a big shout out to JPD Chief Garrett Foster, his staff and other officials for coordinating and hosting this event.

The men and women of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office and citizens across Jasper County lost former Jasper County Chief Deputy and retired Precinct #2 Constable Ralph Nichols October 8th, 2025. He passed away at a Houston hospital after an unexpected illness. Constable Nichols lived a life of service and was extremely dedicated to the people of Jasper County. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Nichols family during this difficult time.

On October 7th, 2025, Jasper County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call regarding an auto pedestrian fatality crash on Highway 62 in south Jasper County. DPS is in charge of the crash investigation. There was one fatality at the scene. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the victim.

On October 7th, 2025, I terminated a part-time jailer due to poor job performance. We hold our employees accountable and expect them to work very hard on behalf of the citizens of our county.

On October 8th, 2025, Deputies Spivey and Tipton stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation and identified the driver as Joshua Knighton, 45, of Woodville. Knighton had an active warrant from San Augustine County for Bail Jumping and Fail to Appear, felony. The warrant was confirmed and Knighten was transported to the Jasper County Jail.

On October 8th, 2025, Deputies Spivey and Tipton were made aware that Donny Luckey, 43, of Buna, had an outstanding Motion to Revoke Probation warrant out of Hardin County, due to a recent arrest in Jasper County. The deputies located Luckey at his residence in Cougar Country and took him into custody. He was transported to the Jasper County Jail.

On October 9th, 2025, I accepted the resignation of Captain Doug Conn regarding a recent outcome of a Title IX investigation while he was employed as the Angelina College Police Chief and Director of the Angelina College Police Academy. I became aware of the findings on the afternoon of October 7, 2025. After a very careful and thorough review, and after speaking with Captain Conn, he made the decision to resign this morning from the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office. To be completely fair to Captain Conn, I would like to be clear regarding his job performance here at our office. He conducted himself with class and did an outstanding job while he was employed here. None of the allegations were made against him while employed at our office.

On October 9th, 2025, Deputies Spivey and Tipton responded to a report of an assault. After an investigation, it was learned that the suspect, Lucas Montes, 19, of Brookeland, assaulted a family member, causing bodily injury. Montes was arrested for Assault Family Violence (Misdemeanor A) and placed in the Jasper County Jail.

On October 9th, 2025, the Beech Grove Fire Department responded to a brushfire in north Jasper County. The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office has reason to believe this was an arson case and we need your help identifying the vehicle that was in the area just prior to the fire being reported. We believe the vehicle is a late model, black Chevrolet, 4 door pick-up. Anyone with information regarding the identity of this vehicle, please contact the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office at (409)384-5417 or Crime Stoppers of Southeast Texas at (409)833-TIPS. You may be eligible for a cash reward.

On October 10th, 2025, the former manager of Tackle Addict at Rayburn, Amber Williams, was arrested for Felony Theft. Deputies had been dispatched to the store regarding a burglary on September 10th, 2025. It was determined that someone entered the store and took two small safes that contained approximately $8,000. The case was turned over to Investigator Calvin Starkie and after a lengthy and thorough investigation, he obtained a warrant for Williams for Theft of Property, $2,500<$30K (State Jail Felony). At the time of the offense, Williams was the manager of the store. Williams surrendered at the Jasper County Jail.

On October 10th, 2025, officers with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, along with other local law enforcement agencies and first responders participated in a reunification drill with the Jasper Independent School District at Jasper High School. The purpose of the drill was to ensure a swift and organized reunification process in the event of a real emergency. This type of training is imperative for better coordination among school officials and first responders during a crisis.

On October 9th, 2025, Jasper County Sheriff’s deputies took a report of a stolen Honda Rancher ATV on Bonami Road. On October 11th, 2025, deputies received information that the ATV was observed traveling on CR 451 and being operated by a white male. Deputies searched the area, located the stolen ATV and the suspect, Jaron David, 28, of Kirbyville. David was arrested for Theft (Class A Misdemeanor) and transported to the Jasper County Jail.

On October 12th, 2025, I was out and about in Jasper County. I visited Jeff Greer of Kirbyville. Jeff does leather work from his home and does a heck of a job. After that, I visited Cindy Fussell and her family in Magnolia Springs. Cindy was my 8th grade teacher (and my favorite of all time). It was good seeing her boys and meeting all 5 of her grandchildren. Then I headed to the Sheriff’s Office and checked on our employees and 137 inmates. I’d like to thank our correctional staff for the great job they are doing. They are by far the unsung heroes in our agency, often working many weekends without complaint. Afterwards, I headed to the Jasper County Cowboy Church Rodeo. I, along with Chief Pulliam, and several staff members were able to catch some mutton bustin’ and bull riding. The stands were packed with spectators! Finally, I attended the celebration of life service in Jasper for former JCSO Chief Deputy and Retired Precinct #2 Constable Ralph Nichols. He served our country as a member of the U.S. Army and then many years as a dedicated law enforcement officer. As a young State Trooper, I was always impressed with his work ethic and willingness to help anyone in need.

On October 12th, 2025, while Jasper County Sheriff’s deputies were taking a report of a stolen vehicle in the Kirbyville area, the complainant saw the vehicle on U.S.96 approaching Kirbyville. Kirbyville PD located and stopped the vehicle until our deputy arrived. The deputy identified the driver as Joni Waldrup, 47, of Kirbyville. The deputy developed probable cause to search the vehicle at which time the deputy found several different types of illegal narcotics. Waldrup was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance PG1 1G<4G (3rd Degree Felony) and Possession of a Controlled Substance PG 3<28G (Misdemeanor A). The investigation into the stolen vehicle is ongoing.

I can’t thank the people of Jasper County enough for placing their faith and confidence in me and electing me. It is truly an honor and privilege to be the Sheriff of Jasper County.

Respectfully,

Chuck Havard

Jasper County Sheriff