Sabine County Reporter

11/06/2025

Press Release - November 6, 2025
I want to congratulate the First Judicial District Attorney's Office on a phenomenal win in the Capital Murder Case of The State of Texas vs Bryan Johnson. While this trial will not bring back the victim,Aaron Ainsworth, his family witnessed justice as both of Aaron's killers are behind bars and serving life sentences. Special congratulation goes to ADA Jennie Hyatt-Olson, who was lead counsel on the case, accompanied by District Attorney, Paul Robbins. Chief Investigator, Terry Masten, coordinated witnesses, along with Wendy Jones, the office's Victim Assistance Coordinator. Legal Assistant Lindsey Graham provided technical expertise in the courtroom in presenting exhibits to the judge and jury.
Office manager, Stacey Hamilton, assisted in all aspects of the trial and supported the entire trial process.
Special thanks goes to Investigators Austin McDonald and Solomon Landeros, along with Sheriff Jason Bridges, of the Nacogdoches Sheriff's Office, Chief Brandon Lovell of the Huntington Police Department, Texas Ranger James Hicks and Steve Rayburn, Sheriff Robert Cartwight and the San Augustine Sheriff's Office, Dr Tosha Zemrus, MD, the San Augustine District Clerk's Office and the enhanced security provided by Constable Walter Shoffner, Sheriff's Deputy Rodney Tooley, and members of the San Augustine Police Department. We greatly appreciate IT Specialist Ryan Ham for the use and donation of two 85" whiteboard monitors used to show the jury the evidence in this case.
Bryan Johnson was convicted by a San Augustine Jury for his part in the kidnapping and capital murder of Aaron Ainsworth, on Easter Morning, April 4, 2021. The trial was hard-fought by Defense Attorney, Ryan Gertz and his trial team Ben Jefferies, and Raegan Minaldi. However, the evidence of the Defendants involvement in the kidnapping, assault and murder of Aaron Ainsworth was overwhelming.
In the end, the San Augustine Jury returned a verdict in 25 minutes, finding Bryan Johnson guilty of Capital Murder, with an automatic sentence of Life Imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
Judge Jim Payne then sentenced Bryan Johnson to this term of imprisonment and he then heard Aaron Ainsworth's family's Victim Impact Statements, that will be part of Bryan Johnson's pen packet that goes with him to prison.
The District Attornev's Office thanks the public for its patience as we work through the almost 1,000 case backlog that we inherited when District Attorney Paul A. Robbins took office, October 19, 2022.
We have conducted countless hearings, and four trials in the last year, and anticipate many more, in the near future. We continue to build on the good work of former District Attorneys for the First Judicial District Attorney's Office and enjoy a great working relationship with local and area law enforcement.
We will take a short break, and then begin the process of preparing for the next revocation hearings, grand juries, docket, and the next jury trial.
We thank you, the citizens of the First Judicial District ( San Augustine and Sabine Counties) for your continued support.

Paul A. Robbins
District Attorney for the First Judicial District
State of Texas

11/06/2025

We messed up! 2023 and 2025 looked alike to these old eyes!

Here is the Accurate and UP to Date info for West Sabine ISD’s Veteran’s Day program! Please share and please forgive our error!

11/03/2025

Let’s cheer on the Lady Hornets!

🚨Hemphill Community - Family & Friends 🚨

Let’s meet at the Hornet Gym, Tuesday (GAME DAY) at 4:00 PM to send off the Hemphill Lady Hornets in style!!! Pack the parking lot to show the team your love and support!

11/03/2025

Public Service Announcement - Burn Ban Lifted
The burn ban for Sabine County has been lifted by order of the county judge under the authority issued by commissioner's court.

We still encourage all residents to use extreme caution when burning outdoors. Please monitor the weather as there are some concerns of high winds. As well please do not leave any fire unattended.

The county will also be monitoring the drought conditions on a daily basis.

If there are any concerns or questions about burning a fire outdoors, please contact your local fire department.

Thank You!

10/30/2025

Former Game Warden Indicted and Arrested in San Augustine County

Former Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Warden Justin Charles Eddins was indicted in San Augustine County on a charge of False Statement to Obtain Credit, a felony offense involving credit valued between $150,000 and $300,000, according to the indictment.

Eddins was arrested on October 28 and released later the same day after posting a $50,000 bond. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
According to the indictment, Eddins is accused of intentionally making a materially false or misleading written statement to Southside Bank, involving the use of another person’s name and credit to secure loan funding. The alleged conduct occurred between March 22, 2022, and November 10, 2023.

Eddins previously served as a game warden in the East Texas region and appeared on the nationally broadcast television series Lone Star Law, which follows Texas Game Wardens during patrol and wildlife enforcement operations across the state.

Many have been looking for this indictment due to action in March of this year, where Eddins and his company Eddins Investments were ordered to pay $400,000.00 to former Beaumont Enterprise Publisher Aubrey Webb and his wife, Tina. - This judgement has some direct implications in the pursuing of criminal charges.

There are many more questions and possibly more charges to come as the investigation continues into his building practices, investments, partnerships, real estate, other banks and client lists. We were told by San Augustine Sheriff's Department that this was now a matter for the Texas Rangers.

The Sabine County Reporter will continue to follow the case as it moves forward.

10/30/2025

Public Service Announcement - Sabine County Election
Attention Sabine County Voters

The Sabine County Administration Building and West Sabine Leadership & Community Development Center will be open 7AM-7PM October 30th & 31st for early voting.

Voters can vote at either location during early voting.
This election is for the Constitutional Amendments along with Hemphill ISD & West Sabine ISD Elections.

Sample ballots are available at https://www.co.sabine.tx.us/page/sabine.Elections.

Election Day is November 4th, 7AM-7PM at your voting precinct.

Thank You!

10/28/2025

Please click on the post below to vote for Mackenzie Havard! Sabine County! Vote and share

10/25/2025

Just getting started on the square!

10/22/2025