Jasper County Sheriff's Report

Sheriff’s Report

2-25-2025

How quickly the week passes here at the Sheriff's Office.  We have been extremely busy and I want to commend our employees here.  These men and women are extremely hard workers and they are dedicated to serving our community. 

On February 18th, 2025, a travel trailer stolen in Roganville on Monday night was located and recovered in San Augustine County.  The suspects were identified as Cody R. Thompson, 42, and Samantha K. Fountain, 39, both of Kirbyville.  Both suspects have been arrested and are currently in the Jasper County Jail.

On February 18th, 2025, members of the Jasper Cowboy Church visited the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office.  We are always pleased when members of the community take interest in what we are doing here at the Sheriff’s Office.  We welcome everyone in Jasper County to come see the jail facility and the improvements we have made.

On February 17-18th, 2025, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office and the Kirbyville Police Department hosted ALERRT training inside Kirbyville High School with several law enforcement agencies participating.  The two-day course takes place inside schools to assist law enforcement officers in learning the layout of the facility and the tools needed to respond appropriately to an active shooter.  Our thanks go out to Kirbyville High School for hosting the training as well as Kirbyville P.D. Chief Paul Brister, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Jasper County SRO Deputy Larry Armstrong and KISD for making this training possible.

On February 19th, 2025, I attended the Homer Methodist Church and enjoyed the fellowship and meal.  It’s great visiting with the citizens of Jasper County and getting their input on the operations of the Sheriff’s Office.

On February 20th, 2025, a Jasper County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on Hwy 96 near Shady Lane in Jasper.  After an investigation, the deputy discovered a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamines, a meth pipe and a snorting pipe inside the vehicle.  Lacey Howard was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance (SJF).  She also had a warrant for Bail Jumping (MA).  She was transported to the Jasper County Jail.

On February 21st, 2025, Patrol Lieutenant Chad Ainsworth and I had a great morning at Evadale Elementary “Career Day”.   It was very interesting to hear what some of our kindergartners want to be when they “grow up”.  We laughed so much, but as always, K9 Leroy stole the show.

On February 21st, 2025, we hired a new dispatcher.  Cara Howard will begin training on March 6, 2025.  I would like to welcome her to the Jasper County Sheriff's Office.  She will be an asset to our county.

On February 21st, 2025, deputies with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office served a Felony Burglary warrant on Billy Don McGalin, 69, of Buna.  After deputies placed Mr. McGalin under arrest, the deputies noticed a travel trailer covered with a tarp on the property.  The deputies immediately recognized the trailer to be the one stolen in Cougar Country on February 15, 2025.  Mr. McGalin was arrested and transported to the Jasper County Jail.  The travel trailer was immediately returned to the owner.

On February 21st, 2025, Steven Morgan of Buna, went missing in the backwaters of the Neches River off of 10-acre Lake Road in South Jasper County.  Numerous law enforcement agencies, volunteer fire departments and countless numbers of citizens have shown up to assist in the search. I have been in contact with the founder of Texas EquuSearch and I appreciate their involvement in this search.  Our prayers go out to the Morgan family during this difficult time. We will not give up until Mr. Morgan has been located.

On February 22nd, 2025, Tyler County Sheriff’s deputies initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle pulling a trailer at the Dam B Jiffy Mart located in Woodville, TX.  Tyler County Deputies identified the two occupants as Cody Thompson, 42, and Samantha Fountain, 39, both of Kirbyville.  Both had active warrants out of Jasper County.  They were our suspects in the Roganville travel trailer theft case. They were placed in custody and transported to the Jasper County Jail.  I’d like to thank the Tyler County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance.

All persons listed in this report are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

I can’t thank the people of Jasper County enough for electing me to be your Sheriff.  We are working very hard to make the Sheriff’s Office more professional and efficient.  If you need anything, please do not hesitate to contact me. 

Respectfully,

Chuck Havard

Jasper County Sheriff