SEXUAL ASSAULT INVESTIGATION AT WALLER CO. JAIL

  

The Texas Rangers and the Waller County District Attorney’s Office are investigating an allegation of sexual assault at the Waller County Jail, officials said Tuesday.

In a complaint filed Friday, a female inmate accused a male inmate of sexually assaulting her. The male inmate was able to perform duties designated as trustee, said Craig Davis, chief deputy at the Waller County Sheriff’s Office. Those duties include tasks such as cleaning the jail.

Both inmates were over the age of 18.

The Texas Commission on Jail Standards will also conduct an investigation for possible procedural violations at the jail. State law says male and female inmates must be kept out of sight and sound from each other unless supervised, even for inmates who are tasked with performing trusty duties.

The latest allegation comes after a series of issues with the jail, including a $1.9 million settlement in 2016 with the family of Sandra Bland. As part of the settlement, the jail agreed to provide emergency nurses for all night shifts and use automated electronic sensors to ensure timely cell checks.