Nolan County Sheriff’s Office receives ballistic helmet donation from Hard Head Veterans

April 16, 2025 |   |  Comment  |  Community Awareness

The Nolan County Sheriff’s Office recently received a generous donation of four HHV ATE® Lite ballistic helmets from Hard Head Veterans, significantly enhancing their protective equipment. These helmets are designed to offer crucial protection during high-risk situations, including active shooter incidents. With the addition of these helmets, deputies will now be equipped with a higher level of protection, allowing them to respond more effectively to dangerous events while safeguarding both themselves and the community they serve. The Nolan County Sheriff’s Office expresses gratitude to Hard Head Veterans for their kind support, highlighting the importance of working together for a safer environment for everyone.

High winds cause damage to Sheriff’s Office Building

March 27, 2025 |   |  Comment  |  General

On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, the Nolan County Sheriff’s Office building sustained considerable damage due to severe high winds in the area. The wind caused several skylight panels to be torn from the structure, while others suffered significant damage; fortunately, the contents of the building remained unharmed.

Just days later, on Friday, March 14, the region experienced another round of fierce winds reaching speeds of 60 mph, which resulted in multiple vehicle accidents on US Highway 84 and led to its temporary closure.

This weather event further exacerbated the damage to the same Sheriff’s Office building, dislodging previously damaged skylight panels and causing an east-facing rollup door to be knocked off its tracks, along with a west-facing rollup door that was also broken and displaced. Despite these challenges, it is noteworthy that none of the facility’s internal contents were affected.

Sheriff James Villanueva and the Nolan County Commissioners Court are working together to address the damages sustained. This partnership aims to ensure that the necessary repairs are completed efficiently, ultimately restoring the facility’s functionality.

Sheriff James Villanueva swears in new Detention Officer

March 24, 2025 |   |  Community Awareness, General

On Monday, March 24, 2025, Sheriff James Villanueva swore in Ashleigh McKinney as the newest Detention Officer. Surrounded by family and friends, including her mother, grandmother, and boyfriend, Ashleigh took the oath of office and was presented with her badge.

With previous experience as a detention officer at the Reeves County Sheriff’s Office, Ashleigh brings a wealth of knowledge and vital leadership skills to our agency, which will undoubtedly enhance our operations.

Her boyfriend, Samuel Cobos, a Deputy Sheriff with the Nolan County Sheriff’s Office, had the honor of pinning her badge.

We’re excited to have Detention Officer Ashleigh McKinney as part of our team and look forward to her contributions in service.

Sheriff James E. Villanueva swears in new Deputy

March 19, 2025 |   |  Community Awareness

On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, Sheriff James E. Villanueva officially swore in Samuel Cobos as the newest Deputy Sheriff during a ceremony marked by camaraderie and support. Surrounded by his colleagues and accompanied by his girlfriend Ashleigh, Cobos took the oath of office, symbolizing his commitment to upholding the law and serving the community.


With over nine years of experience, including his tenure as a patrol sergeant and field training officer at the Reeves County Sheriff’s Office, Samuel brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership prowess to the Nolan County Sheriff’s Office.


He will be assigned to the Patrol Division, where his expertise will play a crucial role in advancing our agency’s mission. We are excited to welcome Deputy Sheriff Cobos aboard and are confident that his contributions will positively impact the communities of Nolan County.


Sheriff Villanueva extended his congratulations and encouraged Cobos to embrace the responsibilities that come with this esteemed position, emphasizing the importance of dedication and service in law enforcement. We wish Deputy Cobos every success in his new role.

Sheriff James Villanueva swears in new Detention Officer

February 10, 2025 |   |  Community Awareness, General

On Monday, February 10, 2025, Sheriff James Villanueva administered the oath of office to Jacob Lopez, a newly appointed Detention Officer at the Nolan County Sheriff’s Office.

Jacob is a Sweetwater native and Sweetwater High School graduate. With previous experience as a detention officer in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Jacob brings a wealth of knowledge to our agency.

Jacob received his badge in the presence of supportive co-workers to commemorate this special occasion.

 

We’re excited to have Jacob Lopez as part of our team, wish him the best and look forward to his service.

Sheriff James Villanueva swears in jail staff

February 7, 2025 |   |  Community Awareness

In recent weeks, the Nolan County Sheriff’s Office has undergone significant changes as Sheriff James Villanueva prioritizes the filling of key vacancies. In an effort to bolster the agency, Sheriff Villanueva has welcomed three new deputies and four new jailers to the team. Two of the newly sworn deputies will focus on patrol duties, while the third is dedicated to managing civil process responsibilities.

Sheriff Villanueva officially promoted Jeffery Reed to the esteemed position of Criminal Investigator, a decision that reflects Reed’s dedication and expertise in law enforcement. In conjunction with this advancement, Stephen Smith II was hired and appointed as the Civil Process/D.A.R.E. Deputy, taking over the responsibilities formerly held by Deputy Sheriff Reed. These carefully considered appointments are designed to enhance the operational effectiveness of the agency, while also ensuring the continued success of the D.A.R.E. program in the Roscoe, Highland, and Blackwell school districts.

Notably, the Sheriff took the innovative step of administering the oath to the entire jail staff, a rare practice that underscores his dedication to fostering a unified and professional atmosphere within the office. This commitment not only enhances team morale but also improves the overall effectiveness of the agency in serving the Nolan County communities.

Marsha Harris