Jasper County Sheriff's Report

7/22/2025

The Jasper County Sheriff's Office is proud to announce that Captain Joe Pomponio is our June Employee of the Month. Captain Pomponio is the assistant jail administrator. He has been employed with the Sheriff’s Office for two years. Before coming to work for JCSO, he was a 29-year veteran of TDJC where he retired as a lieutenant.  His loyalty, dedication and work ethic to this office and the citizens of Jasper County is unmatched.  Congratulations, Joe!

On July 14, 2025, a Jasper County Sheriff’s deputy responded to a caller in Evadale who stated someone was taking copper from the power poles on Hwy 105.  The deputy located a suspicious vehicle, but the occupant ran into the woods before the deputy could get to him.  The deputy observed cut copper wires in plain view of the vehicle.  James Knighton, 49, of Newton was identified as the suspect.  On July 15^th, the deputy observed Knighton walking down Hwy 96 wearing the same clothes as he was the day before.  The deputy conducted a traffic stop.  He was arrested and taken to the Jasper County Jail on charges of Theft of Materials – State Jail Felony.

On July 17, 2025, the Jasper County Sheriff's Office conducted a free Ladies’ Self-Defense class where they gained knowledge of how to protect themselves and learned some valuable skills.  A special shout out to Investigator David Lampman who led the class and shared practical, easy to learn techniques.  Because there was such a great turnout and so many ladies have shown interest in the class, future classes will be available after hours and on Saturday as well.  More information to come.

On July 17, 2025, Sgt. Wade and Deputy Spivey were dispatched to Kirbyville for a report of a female hitting a child in the face.  Deputies arrived and made contact with the suspect, Miriha Barrett, 26, of Kirbyville.  Deputies determined she was under the influence of narcotics to the point that she placed her child in imminent danger.  She was arrested for Endangering a Child – State Jail Felony and Tampering with Evidence – (Felony 3).  She was booked into the Jasper County Jail.

On July 18, 2025, Sgt. Wade and Deputy Spivey responded to a call in Buna regarding a possible wanted fugitive. Keisha Simmons, 37, of Newton was placed in custody for a warrant out of Newton County for Possession of a Controlled Substance – State Jail Felony. She was booked into the Jasper County Jail.

On July 18, 2025, several of the fire departments in Jasper County came together in Jasper at the corner of Hwy 96 and Hwy 190 at the DuGood Credit Union to host the Kerr County First Responders Fundraiser.  All proceeds raised will go directly to the various Central Texas first responding agencies affected by the recent flooding.

On July 18, 2025, Keith Hall Barnett, 61, of Kirbyville was arrested for Abandon/Endangering a Child – State Jail Felony.  He had a warrant stemming from an incident that occurred on July 17 that also involved Miriah Barrett.  Barnett had left the child in possession of Barrett who was under the influence of illegal narcotics and was unable to care for the child in a safe manner.  Barnett was booked into the Jasper County Jail.

On July 18, 2025, Chief Deputy Pulliam, Sgt. Wade, Deputy Spivey, and Investigator Starkie responded to the 50900 block of FM 1747 for a Criminal Mischief in progress.  They discovered that Eric Wilson, 49, of Jasper had cut several Spectrum internet wires and poured gasoline on an AT&T phone box and set it on fire.  Wilson was arrested and charged with Criminal Mischief (MB) and Arson (F2).  Wilson was taken to the Jasper County Jail.

Please note that all persons listed in this report are innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

I’m going to be out of the office for a couple of days this week.  Chief Pulliam, Major Crowell, and the rest of the staff is available 24/7.  I will be available by cell phone as well.  It is a great privilege and honor to be the Sheriff of Jasper County.  As always, call us if you need us.

Respectfully,

Chuck Havard

Jasper County Sheriff