JCSO Lieutenant Makes Arrest in Evadale for Drugs

James Wallace Middleton, 40, of Jasper. Photo Courtesy of JCSO.

EVADALE, Texas – On Friday, August 22, 2025, at approximately 10:29 p.m., Jasper County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Chad Ainsworth was on patrol in the Evadale area when he observed a suspicious vehicle parked on the shoulder of the Highway 96 service road near FM 105.

Lt. Ainsworth made contact with the driver and lone occupant, identified as 40-year-old James Wallace Middleton of Jasper. During the conversation, Lt. Ainsworth developed reasonable suspicion that narcotics were inside the vehicle. Middleton granted consent for a search.

According to JCSO, the search resulted in the discovery of a small bag containing what Lt. Ainsworth identified, based on his training and experience, as methamphetamine. Middleton was also allegedly found in possession of prescription pills, identified as Sildenafil, without a prescription.

Photo Courtesy of JCSO.

Middleton was arrested and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance PG1 <1G (State Jail Felony) and Possession of Dangerous Drugs <28G (Class A Misdemeanor). He was transported to the Jasper County Jail without incident.

The Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that Middleton is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Sheriff Chuck Havard praised the work of his deputies, stating that he and his staff remain committed to combating criminal activity throughout Jasper County.