SULPHUR SPRINGS, TX – Everett Van Jennings, a 36-year-old businessman from Sulphur Springs, has been sentenced to 15 years in state prison after pleading guilty to first-degree felony theft of property, as announced by 8th Judicial District Attorney Will Ramsay. The sentencing, which took place on July 10, 2025, marks the culmination of a high-profile investigation into a sprawling theft operation involving over $1 million in stolen goods.
Jennings entered his guilty plea and, in a notable development, paid full restitution totaling $222,169.98 at the time of sentencing. The restitution was delivered via cashier’s checks made payable directly to each victim, ensuring, as Ramsay stated, that “all victims were made whole.” Additionally, Jennings was ordered to pay a $2,500 fine.
The case began to unfold in January 2024 when a 2021 Lamborghini, reported stolen in Houston, was traced to Jennings’ residence in Hopkins County. The vehicle’s owner, aided by a private investigator, tracked the car to a garage at Jennings’ property, prompting an investigation by the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO). A search of the residence revealed not only the Lamborghini but also two additional stolen vehicles—Chevrolet Corvettes—valued collectively at approximately $500,000. Investigators also uncovered evidence of vehicle identification number (VIN) swapping, a tactic used to conceal the stolen vehicles’ identities.
Further investigation exposed a broader criminal operation spanning multiple jurisdictions, involving the trafficking of luxury cars, boats, heavy machinery, trailers, and side-by-side UTVs. Authorities linked Jennings to fraudulent activities, including the use of a former tenant’s identity to create fake social media accounts and sell stolen property online. In one instance, Jennings allegedly sent threatening text messages impersonating the tenant, warning that continued investigation by the HCSO would lead to online attacks against Sheriff Lewis Tatum’s reelection campaign.
Jennings faced a litany of charges during the investigation, including:
– Tampering with a witness
– Theft of property valued at $300,000 or more
– Fraudulent use or possession of identifying information
– Altering or removing vehicle serial numbers with intent to change identity
– Two counts of engaging in organized criminal activity
– Evading arrest or detention with a previous conviction
– Online impersonation
– Criminal solicitation of capital murder
As part of the plea agreement, all charges except the first-degree felony theft were dismissed in exchange for the 15-year sentence and full restitution. Jennings has been in custody at Hopkins County Jail since April 4, 2024, following his arrest in Galveston on multiple felony warrants.
District Attorney Will Ramsay highlighted the significance of the case’s resolution: “This plea ensures that victims are compensated and justice is served. The full restitution being paid upfront is a rare outcome in cases of this magnitude.” The successful outcome reflects the diligent efforts of the HCSO, the Northeast Texas Auto-Theft Task Force, and the Texas Rangers, who collaborated to dismantle the complex theft network.
Jennings is now in the custody of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, where he will serve his 15-year sentence. The case underscores the impact of coordinated law enforcement efforts in addressing sophisticated criminal enterprises and ensuring accountability for those involved.
