Sheriff Steven Greenwell has officially taken the oath of office as the new sheriff of Lavaca County. Yoakum, Texas, which spans both Lavaca and DeWitt Counties, is home to one of the four police departments in Lavaca County. Yoakum law enforcement officials have expressed their enthusiasm to collaborate closely with Sheriff Greenwell and his deputies. Their shared commitment to enhancing safety, security, and quality of life for the community remains a top priority. This partnership aims to foster collaboration and build trust, ensuring that Lavaca and DeWitt Counties continue to be places residents are proud to call home.
Sheriff Greenwell’s journey to this position began with a decisive victory in the Lavaca County Republican Party primary on Tuesday, May 28. Greenwell defeated long-time County Sheriff Micah Harmon, who had served for 20 years and was seeking his sixth term. Greenwell dominated the voting, securing 2,486 votes (66.28%) compared to Harmon’s 1,265 votes (33.72%). With no Democratic candidate to oppose him, Greenwell is set to take over as Lavaca County Sheriff in 2025.
“The new sheriff brings a wealth of experience and a strong vision for the future,” said a representative from one of the local police departments. “We are excited about the opportunities this new leadership brings and look forward to a productive partnership.”
Sheriff Greenwell’s appointment is expected to bring renewed energy and strategic initiatives to address the needs of the communities. Residents can anticipate a focus on community-oriented policing, enhanced communication between departments, and innovative strategies to tackle crime and improve public safety.
Greenwell ran his campaign on the following background:
- 1987 Graduate of Moulton High School
- 1987 Joined U.S. Marine Corps and began 4 years active duty followed by 3 years in active reserve, honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant
- 1990 Served in Persian Gulf War
- 1996 Graduate of the University of Texas at Austin
- 1997 Graduate of the U.S. Border Patrol Academy
- 1997 Served with U.S. Border Patrol in Laredo
- 1998 Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), Special Agent (Federal Criminal Investigator), Houston Office of Investigations
• INS Criminal Alien Program – Investigate and initiate deportation proceedings for criminal aliens
• Anti-Smuggling Unit – Investigate criminal organizations that smuggle illegal aliens- 2004 Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Supervisory Special Agent, Houston Office of Investigations
• Cyber Crimes/Operation Predator Squad (Supervisor) – Child sexual exploitation investigations
• Houston H.I.D.T.A. Major Drug Squads H-31 Task Force (Supervisor) – Investigations of drug trafficking organizations
• Asset Identification and Removal Group (Supervisor) – Criminal asset forfeiture/Bank Secrecy Act Investigations
• Houston HSI Special Response Team (SRT) Tactical Supervisor (Special Weapons and Tactics Team)
• Houston HSI Rapid Response Team (RRT) Supervisor (Humanitarian/Natural Disaster Response Team)
- 2012 HSI Victoria, Victoria Office of Investigations, Special Agent and Supervisory Special Agent
• Investigated cases of every type under the jurisdiction of HSI, including drug smuggling, alien smuggling, gun running, bulk cash smuggling, human trafficking, child sexual exploitation, fraud, and national security matters. Supervised Special Agents and Task Force Officers (state and local law enforcement cross-designated to prosecute federally)- 2015 Detailed to United States Secret Service (USSS) Personal Security Detail (PSD) – Assigned as driver and personal security to the President of Palau.
- November 30th of 2021 – Retired from federal Government and filed as Candidate for Lavaca County, Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1.
- May 2022 – Elected as JP 1, Lavaca County.
- June 2022 – Appointed by Commissioner’s Court to fill vacant JP1 position.
- December 2023 – Resigned from JP position to run for Sheriff of Lavaca County.
- Married to Kim Rains Greenwell for 36 years, with 2 children and 3 grandchildren. Active member of Vienna Baptist Church