BEDFORD — A Lafayette woman is facing multiple charges after allegedly trespassing at a Lawrence County property and physically resisting a sheriff’s deputy on New Year’s Eve.
Jessica Howard, 36, was taken into custody on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, following a confrontation at a residence located on the 70 block of Norman Road. She is preliminarily charged with criminal trespass and interfering with public safety.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Officer Augustus Hogan of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to the home after the male property owner reported that Howard was on the premises despite a formal “no trespass” order issued in July 2025.
Earlier that same day, officers had already been called to the residence by a male tenant to have Howard removed. When Officer Hogan arrived later that evening, he discovered Howard’s blue Pontiac parked outside and observed lights on inside the home.
Officer Hogan reported that Howard initially refused to answer the door. After several attempts, she eventually appeared and stepped outside. However, when the officer attempted to detain her to investigate the situation, the encounter turned physical.
The affidavit states that Howard attempted to retreat back into the house, leading to a struggle. “Jessica then physically resisted my efforts by trying to retreat back into the residence,” Officer Hogan noted. “She then attempted to break my grip by pushing and kicking at me.”
The officer was eventually able to bring Howard to the floor of the porch and place her in handcuffs. During the arrest, Howard allegedly made several claims, asserting that the tenant had “rigged” the house, was hiding in the woods, and had drugged her.
After backup arrived, the property owner allowed deputies to clear the residence. While no other people were found inside, Officer Robin Compton located a glass smoking pipe and a jar containing a small amount of marijuana in plain view in the bedroom where Howard had been seen. The items were seized for destruction.
Howard was transported to the Lawrence County Jail, and her vehicle was towed from the scene.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the probable cause affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
