Henderson County OKs interlocal agreement to keep investigator in East Texas Auto Theft Task Force

Henderson County Commissioners Court voted unanimously to approve an interlocal agreement with Smith County to continue participation in the East Texas Auto Theft Task Force and to authorize the sheriff and county judge to sign the agreement.

The county’s chief of police (identified in the meeting transcript as “Chief”) told the court the position is currently held by investigator Ted Walker and that Walker’s work recovered 46 vehicles, trailers, tractors and implements in Henderson County in 2024, representing about $1,100,000 in recovered property. "He's responsible here just in Henderson County... recovering 46 vehicles, trailers, tractors, and implements, about $1,100,000 worth of property," the chief said. The chief also reported 16 criminal cases, 11 on-site arrests, 12 search warrants and 14 arrest warrants tied to the task force’s work in Henderson County in 2024.

The sheriff’s office confirmed the investigator assigned to the task force is housed in Henderson County and that the county’s required contribution is provided as an in-kind match—placing the officer locally while receiving task-force resources. Commissioner McCam moved to approve the interlocal agreement; Commissioner Richardson seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Court members emphasized the task force’s multi-county coverage and long-standing partnership: a court member said Henderson County has participated for "about 12, 14 years," calling the task force a "great resource for the county." The court did not discuss a change to funding levels; the recorded arrangement continues the existing in-kind staffing match.

Votes at a glance: the motion to approve the interlocal agreement passed unanimously with the sheriff and judge authorized to sign.