Sheriff’s office disciplines 3 jailers after internal investigation
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – The Brazos County Sheriff’s Office released an update on the internal investigation conducted at the Brazos County Detention Center following the sexual assault of a minor held there in October 2022.
On Oct. 9, 2022, three 17-year-old inmates brutally attacked and sexually assaulted another 17-year-old inmate. The victim was held on misdemeanor charges that were eventually dropped, according to court documents.
After an investigation of the assaults, Brazos County admitted to the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) that no jailer entered the area in which the assaults occurred for over five hours. A computerized detainee check system was also turned off while the assaults were happening.
“The investigation identified that three employees conducted cell checks in a manner not aligned with our established policy and training,” a statement from the sheriff’s office said.
The three staff members faced disciplinary actions ranging from suspension without pay to demotion. The sheriff’s office did not identify the officers involved.
Such measures underscore our commitment to upholding strict compliance with policies and procedures essential for maintaining safety and integrity in our operations. Although our policies were deemed comprehensive and effective, the incident highlighted the need for reinforced training,” the sheriff’s office said.
Since then, all staff have undergone training focused on “proper cell check procedures and accurate documentation.”
One inmate, Fidel Sanchez, was sentenced to 50 years in prison for the sexual assault. The two other inmates, Devin Newton and Tavares Lyles, have also been charged with the assault and are awaiting trial.
A lawsuit also resulted in the county paying $500,000 plus post-judgment interest to the victim.
