JASPER COUNTY — Methamphetamine-related charges now account for a majority of the population inside the Jasper County Jail, according to Sheriff Chuck Havard, who says aggressive enforcement has become a central focus of his administration.
Havard made it clear that his office takes a hardline approach toward meth activity, emphasizing that anyone connected to its use or distribution can expect to face jail time if investigators can build a case. He said the department does not distinguish between users and dealers when it comes to enforcement.
Since assuming office about a year ago, Havard has prioritized targeting meth, describing it as a destructive substance that continues to harm families and weaken the local community. The sheriff believes sustained pressure from law enforcement is necessary to slow its impact.
That intensified approach has coincided with a noticeable rise in arrests. Jail bookings increased significantly, climbing from more than 1,300 in 2024 to over 1,800 in the most recent year, reflecting what officials describe as a broader crackdown on drug-related crime.
Havard said the numbers underscore both the scale of the meth problem in Jasper County and his office’s commitment to addressing it through strict enforcement and continued investigations.