Jasper County Tax Clerk Helps Recover Stolen Vehicle

Photo Courtesy of Jasper County Sheriff's Office

JASPER COUNTY, Texas — A quick-thinking clerk at the Jasper County Tax Office helped uncover a stolen vehicle earlier this week, leading to its recovery and return to its rightful owner.

On Monday, August 18, 2025, Chief Deputy Larry Pulliam of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by staff at the Tax Office regarding a suspicious title transfer. A man had attempted to register a vehicle purchased out of Houston, but the clerk noticed inconsistencies in the paperwork. The vehicle identification number (VIN) did not match the information listed in the Texas Registration and Title System, raising red flags.

Chief Deputy Pulliam assigned the case to Sgt. Investigator Karli Cherry, who traced the vehicle to an upcoming inspection appointment with the Beaumont Task Force Office on Wednesday, August 20. Working alongside the Southeast Texas Auto Theft Task Force, Investigator Cherry and Chief Pulliam coordinated efforts that led to the vehicle being located and seized.

The case has now been turned over to the Southeast Texas Auto Theft Task Force for further investigation.

Sheriff Chuck Havard praised the teamwork and diligence that made the recovery possible.

“We want to recognize Jasper County Tax Assessor-Collector Joe Hawthorn and his staff for their constant diligence in ensuring documents are legitimate and real,” Havard said. “Because of the efforts of this clerk, a hard-working citizen will get their vehicle returned. Great job to the staff at the tax office — they made our job easy! A big thank you as well to Chief Pulliam and Investigator Cherry for their work on this case.”