Johnson County Jail Fails an Inmate on Suicide Watch
After an August 4, 2025, special inspection of Johnson County Jail, inspectors with the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) cited the jail for non-compliance. TCJS added Johnson County Jail to its online list of non-compliant jails. TCJS also sent a notice of noncompliance to the Johnson County Jail for violating one minimum jail standard. The following is the inspector’s message about the violation:
- In response to a complaint against the Johnson County Jail, documentation was reviewed. It was discovered that 30-minute checks were not initiated for a high-risk inmate on suicide watch, who was housed in cell C517.
Johnson County Jail is located at 1800 Ridgemar Dr, Cleburne, TX 76031. The jail has an inmate capacity of 1,100.
Johnson County Jail Fails an Inspection Possibly Instigated by a Custodial Suicide
Two custodial deaths preceded a failed special jail inspection of the Johnson County Jail. The inspection took place on April 21, 2021. Afterward, TCJS Inspector Jon Luna discovered that the jail was noncompliant. The following is the note left by Inspector Luna:
- Following a custodial death at Johnson County Jail, documentation was provided and reviewed. It was discovered that 7 individuals working at the jail on the date of the incident did not have a temporary or permanent jailer’s license. Additionally, a supervisor on duty on that date was working on a Temporary Jailer’s License. Jailers must be licensed through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement before supervising inmates, and County Jail Supervisors must possess a permanent license before being promoted.
Johnson County Jail detainee Justin Lee Geelan, 51, died on March 18, 2021. An autopsy was not ordered because it was believed that atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease was the cause of death. Mr. Geelan was more likely the one connected with the April 2021 violation of jail standards because of the dates. The following is about the other inmate who was possibly referred to in connection with the 2021 jail violation.
Daniel Lee Blankenship Dies in Johnson County Jail on February 12, 2021
Daniel Lee Blankenship went through intake at Johnson County Jail on December 19, 2019. The intake officers noted that Mr. Blankenship made suicidal statements and exhibited both mental health issues and medical problems. He was placed in a single-occupancy cell on suicide watch.
More than two years later, on February 8, 2021, a corrections officer noticed that Mr. Blankenship wasn’t visible in his single-occupancy cell. The officer entered the cell and found Mr. Blankenship behind a shower wall. He was hanging by what was thought to be pieces of a wool blanket. Mr. Blankenship was unresponsive and wasn’t breathing.
Corrections officers began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately. Lifesaving measures were taken over by emergency medical services (EMS) once they arrived on scene. Mr. Blankenship was transported by ambulance to Texas Health Cleburne Hospital. Mr. Blankenship’s heartbeat had been restored, but he was unable to breathe on his own. Mr. Blankenship was then moved to Harris Hospital Fort Worth and placed on life support.
Daniel Lee Blankenship was pronounced deceased on February 12, 2021, after hospital physicians terminated the life support treatment. He was only 45 years old.
Concerned That Jail Neglect Contributed to a Loved One’s Death?
The Law Offices of Dean Malone, P.C. is dedicated to helping families who believe a death in custody was the result of abuse, negligence, or a failure to provide necessary medical care. Our legal team has substantial experience uncovering the truth in these heartbreaking situations and knows the importance of acting quickly when misconduct in a jail setting is suspected.
If you suspect your loved one’s death could have been avoided, take action now. We can be reached 24/7 —contact us by phone, text, or through our secure online form.
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