Jasper County Sheriff’s Report - 9/30/2025

On September 24th, 2025, the Jasper County Sheriff's Office partnered with our School Resource Officers and Kirbyville ISD to conduct a “Locks, Lights, and Out of Sight” lockdown drill. These drills are an important part of keeping our schools safe, and we make it a priority to join in throughout the year. By being involved, our deputies stay familiar with each school’s procedures so that if the need ever arises, we can respond quickly and effectively. All three campuses did an outstanding job. The students, teachers, and staff took the drill seriously and carried it out just the way it should be done. It takes all of us working together to keep our kids safe!

On September 25, 2025, Investigator Karli Cherry arrested Joe Sanders, 31, of Buna, for Possession with Intent to Promote Child Pornography, a First-Degree Felony. An investigation of Sanders began when JCSO received a cyber tip from the Nation Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding the possibility of distribution of child sexual abuse material via a social media application. A search warrant stemmed from a multi-agency investigation which included Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Marshals Task Force and Department of Homeland Security. Sanders was arrested and brought to Jasper County Jail. The investigation is ongoing at this time. I want to commend Investigator Cherry for her work on this case.

On September 27th, 2025, I had the privilege to speak at the “Domestic Violence – Break the Silence” event in Kirbyville which was hosted by the Kirbyville Woman’s Civic Club. I spoke on the importance of community awareness, the role of law-enforcement and services available to victims. I’d like to thank C.A.S.A. (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and B.A.C.A. (Bikers Against Child Abuse) for attending and being such staunch partners with JCSO.

Immediately after leaving Kirbyville, I attended the “Call School Reunion” at Call Junction Baptist Church. The gym was packed and the meal and fellowship were awesome. I enjoyed visiting with all the “Call Girls”. They are a bunch of sweethearts.

On September 28th, 2025, Sgt. Chris Wade was dispatched to a disturbance in Buna where a firearm had been displayed. When Deputy Spivey arrived on scene, Sgt. Wade briefed him. They noticed the suspect, Richard Johnson, 57, of Buna, riding his bicycle nearby. Johnson noticed the patrol cars and began to evade on his bicycle. Deputies pursued Johnson and he bailed off the bicycle and evaded on foot. The deputies caught him and took him into custody. Johnson was found to be in possession of approximately 1.5 grams of methamphetamine and a BB gun in his waistband that replicated a small caliber revolver. Johnson was transported to the Jasper County Jail and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance (Felony 3) and Evading Arrest with a Previous Conviction (State Jail Felony). A potential charge with a weapon may be forthcoming but is still under investigation.

I’d like to invite everyone to come join us this Thursday evening, October 2nd, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., for the Angelina College Police Academy Graduation Ceremony at the Jasper High School Auditorium. The men and women in this academy have worked extremely hard most while maintaining full-time jobs. The academy started in January with students attending mandatorily every evening Monday through Friday from 5 – 9 p.m. all the way through September 26th, 2025. We would love for you to come show your support for these future law enforcement deputies. I appreciate their hard work and dedication to the program and can’t wait to see where they go in their future endeavors.

I would like to thank the men and women of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office for the work they are doing. Everybody’s job here is just as important as mine. Our personnel are dedicated and I’d like to thank them and their families for the sacrifice they make for our office. We will continue to work hard for the people of Jasper County. It is truly an honor and privilege to be the Sheriff of Jasper County.