According to Texas Ranger John Billings, three female inmates have made the allegation that jailers escorted a male inmate into the female section of the jail and allowed physical contact between the prisoners.
“Three inmates have made the allegations, but we’re getting conflicting statements already,” Billings said.
The incidents allegedly happened in November and December of 2003 and again in February of this year. The female inmates have now been transferred to state prisons.
“There are several rumors floating around, one inmate at first denied anything took place and then after contacting her attorney said it all happened. She may be trying to use this as a lever to get a reduction in sentencing,” the Ranger said. “We have offered some of the inmates lie detector tests but they lawyered up and we’re having to go through that process.
“Sheriff (Darren) Jackson and the district attorney contacted us about two weeks ago asking for an investigation after rumors reached the sheriff,” Billings said.
“One of the prisoners who is the most vocal doesn’t claim it happened to her but said she was put in another cell while others were involved,” Billings said. “Some of those making allegations seem to have other grievances that may have prompted these allegations.”
Asked if any jailers are accused of sexual contact with prisoners Billings said there was a rumor but “that’s all it is, is a rumor.
He said there have been about 10 witnesses interviewed so far and the investigation could take another two to three weeks or more.
“It’s a finger pointing deal right now,” added Sheriff Darren Jackson.
“But we do take all allegations seriously and we are going forward in the investigation,” said the sheriff.