HAYS COUNTY
Hays County Crime Stoppers had a busy year helping keep the community safe last year. In 2025 alone, the group assisted in the resolution of 119 cases, according to Hays County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant and Hays County Crime Stoppers Executive Director Jeff Jordan. HCCS has steadily increased their impact year-over-year, assisting in 105 cases in 2024, 61 in 2023 and 50 in 2022.
Crime Stoppers was responsible for solving several significant cases in 2025.
“In July, the program aided the San Marcos Police Department in the apprehension of Avery Saul Bowman, a suspect in a homicide investigation,” Jordan said. “In August, Hays County Crime Stoppers assisted the Hays County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Marshals Service in locating and apprehending Juan Pablo Acosta, who was wanted on 32 warrants for sexual assault. Acosta was captured while attempting to cross into Canada.”
In addition to those high-profile cases, Hays County Crime Stoppers assisted in the apprehension of more than 50 people who were wanted for domestic violence or crimes against children, which Jordan said is an example of the continued impact of the program on public safety.
Jordan shed light on the program’s history, which was established in 1981 when Texas Crime Stoppers began as eight certified organizations, including HCCS, that has now grown to 190, according to Jordan. It is run by volunteers, which helps keep it a cost-effective way to solve crime as well as prevent it.
“Crime Stoppers organizations are community- based partnerships formed by dedicated citizens, law enforcement agencies and the media,” Jordan said. “Together, they work toward a common goal: reducing crime and securing the arrest and conviction of criminals and fugitives statewide. Local Crime Stoppers programs serve as a trusted vehicle for citizens to provide criminal information to law enforcement agencies while remaining anonymous.”
Jordan said tips — related to violent crime, theft, burglary, drug activity, wanted fugitives, school and campus threats, bullying and mental health concerns — can be submitted online, by phone or through the mobile app. Reporting to Crime Stoppers is a completely anonymous way to report crime, and one will receive a cash reward for information that leads to arrests or recovery of property.
“If a tip leads to an arrest, charges, or case clearance, the tipster may receive a cash reward — often up to $1,000 or more — paid in a manner that preserves anonymity,” Jordan said. “By removing fear of retaliation and encouraging citizen involvement, Crime Stoppers helps solve crimes that might otherwise go unreported and strengthens trust between the community and law enforcement.”
He added that tips can be submitted without providing a name. There is no call tracking or caller ID and no court testimony required. This anonymity is protected by state law.
According to Jordan, the organization is a nonprofit that partners with local law enforcement agencies but does not investigate crimes, and they promote prevention as well as youth involvement.
“Programs such as Student Crime Stoppers educate students on safety, responsibility, and how to speak up without fear,” Jordan said. “In Hays County, students from Lehman High School and San Marcos High School participate in Student Crime Stoppers, with four students currently serving as Texas Student Crime Stoppers Ambassadors — onethird of the twelve ambassadors that were selected statewide.”
Jordan said for the first time in the Student Crime Stoppers’ 44-year history, four students are representing Hays County Crime Stoppers as Texas Student Crime Stoppers Ambassadors: - Jade Gulley, Lehman High School (Feb. 2025 May 2026) - Violet Gillam, Lehman High School (Feb. 2025 - May 2026) - Giselle Rodriguez, Lehman High School (Feb. 2025 - May 2027) - Samantha Jordan, San Marcos High School (Feb. 2025 - May 2027) Jordan was recently honored with a position on the Texas Crime Stoppers Council, which he said is “a five-member board of citizens from across the state that provides guidance to Crime Stoppers programs and advises lawmakers and the Governor on Crime Stoppers-related matters.” He was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to begin servitude in February.
“I look forward to continuing to advocate for Crime Stoppers programs across Texas while representing Hays County at the state level,” he said.
There are seven open positions on the HCCS Board of Directors, which are available to the public.
“Residents of Hays County, as well as individuals who work within the county, are eligible to apply,” Jordan said. “The Board meets once per month to review and approve reward payments, discuss community outreach initiatives and plan fundraising activities. Board members may also attend conferences and training opportunities while connecting with Crime Stoppers representatives from across the state, nation and world to learn best practices for keeping communities, businesses and schools safe.”
If interested in applying for a position on the Board of Directors, email Executive.Director@ HaysCounty-CrimeStoppers.org for additional information.
Jordan also encouraged community members with information about a crime, wanted person or missing person to contact Hays County Crime Stoppers anonymously by calling 1-800-324TIPS (8477), submitting a tip online at www.Call-CrimeStoppers.com or using the P3 Tips mobile app.
Avery Saul Bowman was arrested for Terroristic Threat related to an October 30 homicide.
Juan Pablo Acosta was arrested with the assistance of HHCS for having 32 warrants for sexual assault.
