LA PORTE, Texas – The attorney for a former jailor in La Porte says his client expects a Harris County Grand Jury to hand up some type of indictment for sexual contact that occurred in June between Chase Barta and a female jail inmate.
Barta’s lawyer, William Van Buren spoke publicly about the case for the first time Tuesday and says the sex was consensual.
“This was certainly never a rape. It was a consensual act. It was a mistake made by a grown individual who has a family and is paying the repercussions accordingly,” Van Buren told Channel 2 Investigates.
He says Barta was ready to testify willingly before a grand jury Tuesday, but was not called.
The grand jury is expected to hand up its indictment Thursday, though it could decide to “no bill” Barta’s case. Van Buren admits a “no bill” is unlikely.
A 28-year-old woman told Channel 2 Investigates in June that she was raped in a laundry room by Barta.
The woman was in jail for an unpaid ticket, she says.
"I didn't kill anyone, I didn't hurt anyone. I had a speeding ticket I just didn't pay,” the woman said. She asked Channel 2 not to use her name.
It is against the law for a jailer to have sex with an inmate. The penalty for being convicted of that can be up to two years in jail, Van Buren said.
Barta faces a much stiffer prison sentence if grand jurors believe there is enough evidence to hand up an indictment suggesting aggressive sexual assault.
“That law exists, because the legislature realizes inmates are in particular vulnerability and can't say no,” Channel 2 Legal Analyst Brian Wice said.
La Porte Police Department Sgt. John Krueger told Channel 2 in June that investigators looked into Barta’s background and didn't find anything else concerning.
If you have a tip for investigative reporter Jace Larson, email or text him at jlarson@kprc.com or 832-493-3951.