Sheriff wants volunteers to help search for missing man

Highway 255 in Newton County was a road less traveled for 83-year-old James Lenington from Toledo Bend.  But it's the last place authorities have tracked Lenington to, before his disappearance two months ago.

"The sky's the limit as to where he went from there."

Newton County Sheriff Joe Walker says Lenington was last seen in Jasper on July 13th.  His truck was found on Highway 255 in Newton County days later.  The ignition was on, but the battery was dead.  Lenington's wallet was found a few yards away from his truck, untouched.  Those are the last leads Walker has to Lenington.

"It's a 50/50, there's nothing support foul play, there's nothing to support that it isn't," he said.

Walker says several searches of the surrounding woods have turned up nothing.  Authorities are now leaning on this road one last time to find Lenington.  It will be the jumping off point for a massive search for the 83-year-old this weekend.  And he's calling on the community to pitch in. 

"Maybe we'll get lucky this time, maybe we'll find something," he said, "The family is wanting to, they're wanting closure."

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The Newton County Sheriff's Office is appealing for volunteers to help assist in what investigators call the final search for James Lenington.

Lenington, 83, disappeared on July 28 off FM 255 in Newton County.

Searchers in helicopters and on the ground have tried to find Lenington.

“We don’t give up on the hope of finding this man," said Newton County Sheriff Joe Walker.  "However, with no leads or indication of his wherebouts, it is hard to keep putting man hours in the same place.  This will be the last search in the area where Lenington's vehicle was recovered.  The search will be far more intense than ever before.  I ask for volunteers to come out and assist this final time.  My staff and resources are limited.” 

Persons interested in assisting are asked to sign up and remain throughout the search on September 12.day  on stay with us thru the day.”

The search will begin at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 12.

Volunteers will meet at the Mitchell Cemetery on Highway 255, about 3 miles east of Highway 87. Volunteers should be prepared to search for two to six hours in wooded areas (some thickets).

Bring water, food for yourself, bug spray, a cell phone  and a whistle. Wear boots and gloves.

If you live in the Jasper area you can sign up by calling Scott Duckworth at (409) 489-6679.

If you live in Newton County call the Sheriff's Office at (409) 379-3636.