SULPHUR SPRINGS, Texas - A joint investigation by local and regional law enforcement agencies has led to the arrest of five people connected to a series of vehicle thefts and commercial burglaries across several North Texas communities, authorities announced Tuesday.
According to the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began Feb. 2, 2026, after a spike in vehicle thefts in Sulphur Springs and Greenville. Working alongside the Northeast Texas Auto Theft Task Force, deputies and detectives with the Sulphur Springs Police Department executed a search warrant at a residence on Kasie Street, where evidence was found linking the occupants to the theft of four vehicles.
On Feb. 3, investigators located a suspect vehicle, leading to a high-risk traffic stop. Five individuals were taken into custody, including three adults and two juveniles whose names were not released. The adults were identified as Joseph Vernon Johnson of Greenville, Jayla Jackson of Sulphur Springs, and Diego Childs-Goodale of Sulphur Springs.
During interviews, investigators said the suspects admitted to the local vehicle thefts. Authorities also said Johnson, Jackson, and the two juveniles confessed to involvement in two burglaries at the One Stop convenience store on Main Street in Sulphur Springs.
The investigation further revealed that the group attempted four additional vehicle thefts in Sulphur Springs, Paris, Greenville, and Commerce, though those attempts were unsuccessful, according to investigators.
All three adult suspects were charged with possession of a controlled substance in Penalty Group 2, fraudulent use or possession of identifying information involving fewer than five items, possession of marijuana, unlawful use of a criminal instrument, and possession of a controlled substance classified as a Class B misdemeanor.
In addition, Johnson faces three counts of engaging in organized criminal activity, while Jackson faces two additional counts of the same charge. Those offenses range from second- to third-degree felonies. Juvenile cases will be handled separately.
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains ongoing and emphasized its commitment, along with the Northeast Texas Auto Theft Task Force, to disrupting organized theft operations and protecting property across the region.
