HOUSTON – The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a sergeant reported she was physically and sexually assaulted by a jail inmate.
On Monday, Dec. 6, at about 2 p.m., investigators said an HCSO sergeant reported that she was assaulted by a 27-year-old inmate in an administrative office on the fifth floor of the 1200 Baker Street jail facility.
Authorities said the sergeant was immediately taken to the jail clinic for treatment and later transported to a local hospital for further medical care and support services.
“The brutal attack of our Sheriff’s Office teammate warrants a thorough and swift investigation,” said Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. “Uncovering all the relevant facts related to this alleged assault is a top priority as we seek answers and justice. All our brave employees deserve to feel safe, and we will do everything to protect them. Our team’s immediate focus is offering a range of full support to our team member.”
Today, one of our @HCSOTexas teammates reported she was sexually assaulted by a man held in our jail. I’m devastated to think of the pain she endured, and I’m committed to supporting a thorough investigation that brings her justice. Please join me in https://t.co/28F7jALFfu
— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) December 7, 2021
The Harris County Deputies Union said the sergeant has been employed with the department for over two decades.
They also said the incident could have been prevented and should not have happened. The union is calling for a thorough investigation by Sheriff Gonzalez and his administration.
“We are concerned because we are short-staffed. We’ve made that known. The public knows it, the commissioners know it, but we don’t believe they’re doing anything about it,” David Cuevas, President of the Harris County Deputies Organization said.