Newsroom

Sheriff James E. Villanueva and Chief Deputy Brock Cater are pictured with USG staff members. The Nolan County Sheriff’s Office wants to give a big thank you to our friends at USG for bringing us some delicious BBQ brisket today! We truly appreciate you thinking of our first responders and taking the time to do something special for us. The brisket was great, but the thought behind it means even more. We’re lucky to live and work in a community where people look out for one a

This morning at the Nolan County Commissioners Court meeting, we had the pleasure of recognizing several outstanding county employees during a service award presentation. A total of eight Nolan County employees were honored for their dedication and years of service. We were especially proud to see the Nolan County Sheriff’s Office well represented, with employees receiving awards. These recognitions reflect the hard work, commitment, and professionalism shown by these employe

Sheriff Villanueva presents Corporal Mulanax with her new stripes. Sheriff James Villanueva is proud to announce the promotion of Jailer Amber Mulanax to the rank of Jail Corporal at the Nolan County Jail. Corporal Mulanax has served with the Nolan County Sheriff’s Office for nearly eight years, demonstrating professionalism, dedication, and a strong commitment to public safety. Her promotion reflects the trust and confidence placed in her by Sheriff Villanueva and the leader

The Nolan County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce the launch of its new Detention Excellence Recognition Program. This initiative is designed to twice yearly recognize the exceptional hard work, dedication, and invaluable efforts put forth by the support staff and detention officers assigned to the Nolan County Sheriff’s Office Detention Division. The program shines a spotlight on those who go above and beyond to maintain the safety, security, and high standards of the f

The Nolan County Sheriff’s Office is proud to welcome Tasha Baxter to our Mental Health Division. Baxter brings valuable experience in both education and mental health care services. In her role as Mental Health Counselor, she will provide comprehensive mental health resources and support services to the jail population. Her duties will include conducting mental health assessments, offering crisis intervention, providing supportive guidance, and ensuring continued care for in

The Nolan County Sheriff’s Office thanks the Nolan County Renewal Project (NCRP), a local nonprofit based in Sweetwater, for their generous donation of $10,000 each to the Nolan County Sheriff’s Office and the Sweetwater Police Department.These funds will help offset costs associated with transporting people experiencing mental health crises to appropriate treatment facilities. During today’s City of Sweetwater Council meeting, Stacy Boil, President of the NCRP who also serve

On Friday, May 1, 2026, Sheriff James Villanueva officially swore in Jasey Rice as the newest Detention Officer. Surrounded by her colleagues, she proudly took the oath of office and was presented with her badge. Jasey joins the agency with prior experience as a detention officer, bringing valuable knowledge and skills that will strengthen daily operations. We are proud to welcome Detention Officer Rice to our team and look forward to her service.

The Nolan County Jail has successfully completed a limited compliance review conducted by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, with no deficiencies identified. During the review, multiple operational areas were thoroughly examined, including inspection certifications, equipment maintenance records, and training documentation covering facility safety, medical services, inmate management, and staffing and administrative procedures. This comprehensive evaluation was conducted

James Villanueva, Sheriff of Nolan County, along with Jail Administrator Marsha Harris and Jail Sergeant Israel Vera, proudly announce the graduation of three detention officers from Basic Corrections Officer Training at West Central Texas Law Enforcement Academy in Abilene. Jail Administrator Marsha Harris and Detention Officer Jacob Lopez Jail Corporal Jerry "JC" Watts and Detention Officer Daniel Mendoza Jail Sergeant Israel Vera and Detention Officer Hanna Vera Jacob Lope

Sheriff James Villanueva is proud to announce the promotion of Aaron Castillo from Jailer to Jail Corporal at the Nolan County Jail. Corporal Castillo has demonstrated strong work ethic, professionalism, and a commitment to the safety and security of the facility. His dedication to his duties and the respect he has earned from both his peers and supervisors have prepared him well for this leadership role. As a Jail Corporal, he will take on additional supervisory responsibili

Nolan County Detention Officers continue to receive ongoing training to ensure they are prepared to respond to a wide range of situations. Most recently, officers completed training on the proper administration of Narcan, a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses. This training is part of the Nolan County Sheriff’s Office’s continued commitment to safety, preparedness, and professional development. By equipping detention officers with the knowledge and skil

During the Nolan County Commissioners Court meeting held this morning, a service award presentation was conducted to recognize county employees for their dedication and years of service. A total of seven Nolan County employees were honored during the presentation. The Nolan County Sheriff’s Office was well represented, with three employees receiving service awards. Deputy Sheriff Daniel King was recognized for his 15 years of service to Nolan County. Deputy Sheriff Randall Ro

The Nolan County Sheriff’s Office, under the leadership of Sheriff James E. Villanueva, announces key accomplishments and milestones from 2025. The year brought strengthened public safety programs, operational improvements, successful investigations, expanded community outreach, and investments in training and technology that together enhanced service to Nolan County residents. Key 2025 highlights. From January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025, the Nolan County Sheriff’s Of

Eric Acosta and Jail Sergeant Israel Vera The Nolan County Sheriff's Office Jail Division remains committed to public safety while also supporting inmate rehabilitation and successful reintegration into the community. Through voluntary programs, the Jail Division provides inmates with opportunities to gain valuable work experience and job skills prior to release. One of the most common programs offered is the Inmate Work Program, which allows qualifying inmates to assist with

We are pleased to announce that Corporal Jerry C. (JC) Watts of the Nolan County Sheriff’s Office Jail Division has been awarded the Jerry Baggs Memorial Scholarship to attend the National Jail Leadership Command Academy (NJLCA) at the Correctional Management Institute of Texas, Sam Houston State University. The scholarship covers full attendance and supports Watts’ leadership development. NJLCA offers advanced training in jail leadership, policy, inmate management, and crisi

On December 16, 2025, eight inmates at the Nolan County Jail were baptized, marking a spiritual rebirth for those participating. The individuals who participated included Mark Hay, Eric Acosta, Scott Garza, Adam Garza, Daniel Kennedy, Michael Keller, and Elias Olguin. Participation was voluntary and coordinated through approved inmate program procedures. The ceremony was conducted by authorized community volunteers Louis Palacios, James Hogue, and Richard Acuna. The Nolan Cou

On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, Sheriff James Villanueva proudly swore in Jacob Gonzalez as a Deputy Sheriff with the Nolan County Sheriff's Office. The ceremony marked a return for Jacob, who has been away from law enforcement but is eager to rejoin the ranks. Jacob Gonzalez is no stranger to the Nolan County Sheriff's Office. Before his time away, he served in two critical roles: Detention Officer in the jail and Deputy Sheriff in the patrol division. His diverse experience a

Ten female inmates at the Nolan County Jail took part in a baptism ceremony on Tuesday morning, October 28, 2025, marking a moment of spiritual renewal and personal transformation. The event was part of the jail’s ongoing ministry outreach program, which offers inmates opportunities to explore their faith and make positive life changes during and after incarceration. Led by Alexandrea “Nikki” Lawhon and Soccorro “Corey” Starkey from Identity Church in Sweetwater, the women, A

Over the past two weeks, several position changes and promotions have taken place within the Nolan County Sheriff’s Office. These changes reflect the office’s commitment to recognizing hard work and leadership. Jeffery Reed has been promoted to the rank of Sergeant in the Criminal Investigations Division. Reed previously served as a Criminal Investigator, and his dedication, experience, and leadership make him an excellent fit to oversee investigative work and support his tea

The Nolan County Sheriff's Office is proud to announce a new partnership with the Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital to address inmate healthcare needs. On Monday, September 8, 2025, the Nolan County Commissioners Court approved Sheriff James E. Villanueva’s request to enter into a Health Care Service Agreement between the Nolan County Jail and Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital. “One of the most significant responsibilities here at the Nolan County Sheriff's Office is running