Newton County Sheriff Introduces New K9 Team to Strengthen Drug Enforcement Efforts

NEWTON COUNTY — Sheriff Colton Havard has announced the addition of two new members to the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, strengthening the department’s ongoing efforts to combat narcotics and enhance public safety.

Sheriff Havard officially welcomed Sergeant Chad Ainsworth and K9 Rhino to the agency this week.

Sergeant Ainsworth brings many years of law enforcement service across Southeast Texas, with extensive experience in narcotics enforcement and K9 handling. His background includes specialized training that will directly support the Sheriff’s Office mission to address drug activity throughout the county.

K9 Rhino, a five-year-old German Shepherd, is certified in multiple disciplines, including officer protection, tracking and apprehension. Rhino is also nationally certified in narcotics detection, making the new K9 team a valuable operational asset for the department.

Sheriff Havard said the addition of Sergeant Ainsworth and K9 Rhino will serve as a “force multiplier” in the ongoing fight against drugs in Newton County, allowing deputies to more effectively identify, track, and apprehend individuals involved in illegal narcotics activity.

The Newton County Sheriff’s Office continues to invest in specialized training and resources to enhance public safety and support law enforcement operations countywide.