The arrest of a former Brownwood juvenile detention staffer apparently has prompted the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate the Texas Juvenile Justice Department’s lockup facilities to ensure that juveniles who are safely being held.
According to a news release from the Justice Department today, “The investigation will examine whether Texas provides children confined in the facilities reasonable protection from physical and sexual abuse by staff and other residents, excessive use of chemical restraints and excessive use of isolation. The investigation will also examine whether Texas provides adequate mental health care.”
According to reports, the announcement comes on the heels of the arrest last Friday of a former staffer at the Ron Jackson State Juvenile Correctional Complex in Brownwood. He was arrested on a second-degree felony and faces 2 to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine if convicted.
Devin Xavier King (who used the name Fernando Emmanuel Hernand is accused of improper sexual activity with a person in custody. King is accused of touching the breast of an 18-year-old female detainee in a July incident.
The other juvenile facilities are located at:
Evins Regional Juvenile Center, Edinburg TX
Gainesville State School, Gainsville TX
Giddings State School, Giddings TX
McLennan County State Juvenile Correctional Facility, Mart TX
