Jasper County Sheriff’s Report

8/5/2025

Can you believe that it’s already August? Time is flying by here at the Sheriff’s Office. Last Tuesday, I, along with Chief Pulliam, Major Crowell, and Judge Allen met with members of the Texas Jail Commission about renovating our old recreation area to increase our capacity by 14 beds.

On July 29, 2025, we conducted OC Spray (pepper spray) training for our jail personnel. Training is vital to our success here at the Sheriff’s Office. Our main priority is keeping our employees and inmates safe while they are in our custody.

On July 29, 2025, Ritchie Wayne Droddy, 68, of Jasper, was arrested and charged with Cruelty to Non-Livestock Animals – 3rd Degree Felony, after an arrest warrant was obtained by the Sheriff’s Office earlier that day. Mr. Droddy had shot a dog that he believed to be a stray on his property the day before.

On July 30, 2025, the JCSO, in conjunction with the us Marshals Fugitive Task Force, arrested Bronson Crites, 25, of Buna, on a Parole Violation warrant (original charge – Indecency with a Child). Crites was taken into custody at his residence without incident and transported to the Jasper County Jail.

On July 31, 2025, we had our new boat striped with our logo and colors, and we’re just waiting on the T-top, emergency radio, and lights to be installed. It should be on the water in the next few weeks. The boat will be dedicated to Deputy Raymond Claude, who gave his life in the line of duty in 1982. His legacy will live on as this boat serves and protects our community. A public dedication ceremony will be held soon and you’re all invited. Stay tuned for the date.

On August 1, 2025, the Fourth Annual Veteran’s Stand Down was held at the Courthouse Annex. There was an amazing outpouring of love for our veterans and their families from across Southeast Texas. There was a wealth of information and services available to veterans from free haircuts, financial assistance, clothing, to mental health services.

On August 1, 2025, Deputy Noel was patrolling FM 777 where a known wanted subject was believed to be residing. While traveling on CR 164, the deputy observed a vehicle approaching him and recognized the driver as Jarvis Wilson, 24, of Jasper. Deputy Noel conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and positively identified the driver. Wilson was subsequently arrested and placed into custody on the following active warrants: Burglary of a Habitation Intended other Felony (F1), Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, (F2), and Terroristic Threat of Family Member (MA). Wilson was transported to the Jasper County Jail.

On August 2, 2025, a concerned citizen called in a report of a neglected horse in the Buna area. A deputy was dispatched to the location of the animal. Upon arrival, the deputy immediately found the animal in very poor health. It had no food or water and was emaciated. A stockman was called and the animal was taken to the stockman’s ranch for safekeeping. The owner who abandoned the animal has not been located.

Early this morning, at approximately 2:45 a.m., Lumberton Police Department initiated a high-speed pursuit in Lumberton as the driver, Julius T. Nix, 39 of Louisiana, discarded a large amount of narcotics. Jasper County Deputies, Silsbee Police and Kirbyville Police intercepted the vehicle traveling in excess of 100 MPH in Buna. The car pursuit ended when Nix failed to negotiate a turn at FM 363 in Kirbyville and slammed into the side of a tractor trailer. Nix then fled on foot in a wooded area discarding a large amount of ecstasy pills and a large amount of a white powdery substance believed to be Cocaine. A perimeter was established by Jasper County Deputies who waited for the arrival of Jasper PD K-9. Nix was later found in the wooded area just south of Bon Ami, taken into custody of Lumberton Police Department and transported back to Hardin County. The truck driver sustained minor injuries and was evaluated by Allegiance Emergency Medical Services.

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

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