Multi-Agency Investigation Cracks Regional Vehicle Theft Ring; Five Suspects Apprehended
SULPHUR SPRINGS, TX — February 4, 2026 — A coordinated investigation between the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office and the Northeast Texas Auto Theft Task Force has led to the arrest of five individuals linked to a string of vehicle thefts and commercial burglaries spanning several North Texas cities.
The investigation began on February 2, 2026, following a surge in vehicle thefts in Sulphur Springs and Greenville. Deputies and detectives from the Sulphur Springs Police Department executed a search warrant at a residence on Kasie Street, where they uncovered evidence linking the occupants to the theft of four vehicles.
On February 3, 2026, the investigation culminated in a high-risk traffic stop after deputies located the suspect vehicle. Five subjects were taken into custody, including three adults and two juveniles:
Joseph Vernon Johnson, of Greenville
Jayla Jackson, of Sulphur Springs
Diego Childs-Goodale, of Sulphur Springs
Two Juveniles (Names withheld)
During subsequent interviews, the suspects confessed to the local vehicle thefts. Furthermore, Johnson, Jackson, and the two juveniles admitted to being involved in two separate burglaries at the One Stop convenience store located on Main Street in Sulphur Springs.
The investigation also revealed the group’s broader regional impact. The suspects admitted to four additional unsuccessful vehicle theft attempts in Sulphur Springs, Paris, Greenville, and Commerce.
Charges Filed
The three adult suspects are facing a litany of charges. Jackson, Johnson, and Childs-Goodale have each been charged with:
Possession of a Controlled Substance (PG 2 >1g <4g) – Third Degree Felony
Fraudulent Use/Possession of Identifying Information (<5 items) – State Action Felony
Possession of Marijuana (>2oz <4oz) – Class A Misdemeanor
Unlawful Use of a Criminal Instrument – Class B Misdemeanor
Possession of a Controlled Substance – Class B Misdemeanor
Due to the nature of the operation, Joseph Johnson faces three additional charges of Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, while Jayla Jackson faces two additional charges for the same offense, ranging from Second to Third Degree Felonies.
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office and the Northeast Texas Auto Theft Task Force remain committed to dismantling organized theft rings to ensure the safety and security of property for all citizens in the region.
