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Category: Custodial Death

Wilson County Jail Fails to Comply with Restraint Requirements

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The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) website currently includes Wilson County Jail in its list of non-compliant jails. A jail inspection report was issued to the Floresville, Texas, jail on October 9, 2024, followed by a notice of non-compliance on October 14, 2024. Inspectors with TCJS found that Wilson County Jail violated two minimum jail standards. One is related to emergency fire drill training for jail staff. The other is a mandate to conduct documented observations of inmates in restraints every 15 minutes; the inspectors’ notes about restraints follow.

  • The inspector discovered that restraint observations entered in the restraint logs were being conducted over the 15-minute time requirement by 1 minute up to 15 minutes.

Wilson County Jail’s address is 800 10th Street, Floresville, Texas 78114. The jail’s bed capacity is 160.

Why Observation Checks in Jails Are Important

Face-to-face observation checks in municipal and county jails are required at different intervals and for different reasons. These are crucial activities because supervision is at the heart of observations. Lives are saved when jails ensure that inmates are properly supervised. For instance, detainees are protected from inmate-on-inmate violence when jailers check on them as required. Suicide is the leading cause of death in jails, and supervision is the best deterrent.

The purpose of checking on inmates every 15 minutes maximum when they are in restraints is partly to protect them from physical injury. Blood circulation is to be checked every quarter of an hour, and medical care must be provided every 2 hours.

A problem that is often exposed in the news is that detainees sometimes have difficulty breathing and can become unresponsive after they have been in a strenuous struggle prior to being placed in restraints. Frequent checks on detainees ensure that a detainee in medical distress can more likely than not get the lifesaving help they require.

Do Jail Inmates Usually Get Medical Attention When Needed?

Many news stories have come to light through the years that place doubt on the question of inmates receiving timely medical care when they are in great distress. After an inmate dies because they were ignored as they suffered medical distress, jail staff will often express that it is reasonable to consider that inmates are only seeking attention when they cry out for help. When medical neglect is suspected in association with a custodial death, it is important to act quickly so that investigations can more successfully discover the facts about what happened.

Is Help Available for Jail Negligence Cases?

A recent study shows that nearly 70% of inmates in local U.S. jails with chronic health conditions are denied proper medical care—a startling statistic. If you’ve suffered life-changing injuries due to jail medical neglect or abuse, or if you’ve lost a loved one to neglect while they were incarcerated, we encourage you to contact us promptly. The Law Offices of Dean Malone, P.C. has a team focused on custodial death cases, with extensive experience in cases related to jail abuse and medical neglect.

Reach out to us today for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7—call, text, or connect with us through our online form.

 

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smchugh

Howard County Jail Violated Minimum Standards When an Inmate Died

Front of Jail Cell

Howard County jail in Big Spring, Texas, is now listed on the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) website alongside other non-compliant jails. During a special jail inspection at Howard County Jail on September 23, 2024, TCJS inspectors discovered that the Big Spring detention facility had violated one minimum jail standard in connection with the death of a female detainee.

The notice of non-compliance sent to Howard County Jail on September 23 lists the minimum standard violated inaccurately as far as the rule number, though the description correctly matched the wording for Rule §275.1-Regular Observation by Jailers in the chapter about inmate supervision. The notes from TCJS inspectors conveyed the following:

  • The video documentation provided after a custodial death was reviewed. The video revealed that at least twenty-four (24) rounds were not conducted face to face as required, though the observation rounds were conducted within the timeframe mandated by minimum jail standards.

Howard County Jail’s address is 3611 Hwy 80 in Big Spring, Texas 79720. The jail can house up to 96 detainees.

How Does Supervision of Inmates Help Save Lives?

Research shows that inmates are certainly safer with direct supervision by jail staff. This underscores the importance of sticking to mandated timing for face-to-face observations when a jail provides indirect supervision. When an officer is present, there are fewer assaults and abuses, such as when stronger inmates prey on weaker detainees.

When there is a commitment to protect inmates with strict supervision, lives can be saved, whether from death by suicide, withdrawal, severe illness, inmate-on-inmate attacks, or overdosing. Tragically, as in the case of Howard County Jail, investigations often reveal that a lack of supervision was associated with custodial deaths.

Supervision is the Best Means to Prevent Jail Suicides

In general, jails should always be on high alert to prevent inmate suicides because suicide is the leading cause of death in municipal and county detention facilities. Research provides plenty of predictors that can guide jail staff on how to prevent suicides effectively. For instance, the first 24 hours that any individual is incarcerated, there is a strong risk for suicide. Up to 24% of all jail suicides occur in that timeframe.

More than 90% of jail suicides happen by hanging or self-strangulation. Therefore, if a detainee is known or suspected to be suicidal, it makes no sense to provide them with supplies that can be used to fashion an effective ligature to take their own life. Bed sheets and blankets are commonly used in custodial suicides, though trash bags, phone cords, and many other items have been used.

Contact the Law Offices of Dean Malone for Help with Jail Neglect Cases

If you or a loved one has experienced harm due to abuse or neglect in a jail, seeking skilled legal support is essential. At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, we routinely assist families who have lost loved ones in Texas jails, where neglect may have been a contributing factor. We also encourage former inmates dealing with significant issues related to neglect or abuse during their time in custody to reach out to us.

Connect with us today for a free case evaluation. We are available 24/7 by phone, text, or through our online form.

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smchugh

Crockett County Jail is Found Non-Compliant in a Second 2024 Jail Inspection

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Crockett County Jail in Ozona, Texas, was recently added to the non-compliant jails listed on the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) website for the second time in 2024. The first of the two failed inspections at Crockett County Jail this year was in February. After a September 19, 2024, jail inspection at the Ozona jail, a notice of non-compliance was issued on September 23. TCJS inspectors found that Crocket County Jail was non-compliant with three minimum jail standards.

The rules violated were RULE §263.56-Testing Emergency Power Equipment and two violations under RULE §273.5-Mental Disabilities/Suicide Prevention Plan in the chapter on Health Services.

Crockett County Jail’s address is 121 S. Hwy 163 in Ozona, Texas 76943. The jail has an inmate capacity of 24.

Can Jails Be Held Accountable for Preventable Inmate Suicides?

Suicide is the leading cause of death in local jails. The rules of operation, which are established by TCJS, include requirements related to suicide prevention. Jails can be held accountable for jail negligence that results in a preventable suicide. For example, if a detainee has been identified as a suicidal individual, it would be an act of negligence to place them alone in a cell with items that can be fashioned into a ligature.

Close to 90% of custodial suicides in Texas occur by way of hanging and self-strangulation. These methods of suicide cause death within approximately 5 minutes, more or less.

Since 2019, overall suicide rates in 25 states have increased by more than 30%. Within the U.S. corrections system, the total number of suicides increased from 499 in 2001 to 695 in 2019. Female inmate suicides rose by nearly 65% in the same time period. Inmates prior to their adjudication accounted for nearly 77% of all those who died by suicide in city and county jails from 2000 to 2019. More recent statistics show even higher numbers.

A Custodial Suicide in Texas is Ruled a Preventable Death

In April of 2021, a 37-year-old Texas jail inmate was placed on suicide watch, being undisputedly suicidal. Nevertheless, an officer delivered a sheet, blanket, and bag of towels to the man. Approximately 18 minutes later, the man was found hanging inside his cell. Allegedly, the tragic suicide could have been prevented if not for apparent jail negligence.

Seeking Help for Jail Neglect or Abuse?

Being incarcerated in a city or county jail doesn’t strip away your basic rights. When detainees face mistreatment, such as being denied proper medical care, it’s crucial to hold those responsible accountable.

If you’ve lost a loved one in a Texas jail and believe neglect was a factor in their death, or if you’ve suffered serious injuries due to jail negligence during a previous incarceration, we may be able to help. At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, we have a team focused on custodial death cases and bring years of experience to provide you with strong legal representation.

We are available around the clock. Reach out via phone, text, or our online form to schedule a free case consultation.

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smchugh

Donna Pierre Dies After 40 Hours in Howard County Jail

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Inside The Old Idaho State Penitentiary

Seventy-year-old Donna Pierre was booked into Howard County Jail on August 25, 2024, at 9:48 PM. She died approximately 40 hours later. A custodial death report (CDR) about Ms. Pierre was filed by the Howard County Sheriff’s Department on October 7, 2024. Her cause of death is unknown, and very little is revealed in the CDR that may suggest possible causes.

Upon entry into the jail there Ms. Pierre appeared to be intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. She was housed in a holding cell, which is typically a multiple-occupancy cell. A medical condition, it appears, is not believed to be her cause of death. In answer to a question about whether she may have died due to a pre-existing medical condition, the response indicates that the question is not applicable because the cause of death was:

  • Accidental injury,
  • Intoxication,
  • Suicide, or
  • Homicide.

The summary of how Ms. Pierre’s death occurred is very brief. Presumably, a member of the jail staff wrote the summary. It reveals that the individual was notified at 11:00 AM on August 27, 2024, that there was an unresponsive female in the jail. He or she reported to the location indicated by medical staff, who were already on the scene. Emergency medical services (EMS) were called. When they arrived, a determination was made that “the inmate was already deceased.”

The address of Howard County Jail is 3611 Hwy 80 in Big Spring, Texas 79720. The bed capacity of the Big Spring jail is 96.

Bexar County Jail Files a CDR on a Custodial Suicide 5 Months Late

A custodial suicide occurred in Bexar County Jail in San Antonio, Texas, on March 10, 2024. Jails in Texas are required to file custodial death reports within 30 days of a detainee’s death, but in this case, the CDR was filed in July 2024. Families can seek to hold jails responsible if jail negligence was a factor in the death of a loved one. So, in any death case that warrants closer investigation, it is important to gather facts sooner rather than later.

A lack of adequate information about the events surrounding a death sometimes means details have been left out that may suggest jail neglect or abuse. These types of situations can also have detrimental repercussions on inmates’ families, who may be unaware of egregious events surrounding their loved one’s death.

Are You Seeking Help for Jail Medical Neglect or Suicide Cases?

If you or a loved one has been affected by jail neglect or abuse, it’s crucial to seek experienced legal assistance. At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, we have been representing individuals and families for years in cases involving jail neglect, inmate abuse, and custodial deaths, including those resulting from medical neglect.

Our dedicated team has extensive experience asserting inmates’ rights and holding correctional facilities accountable for their actions. We understand the complexities of these cases and are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation.

We offer a free case review and are available 24/7. You can reach us by phone, text, or through our online form. Don’t hesitate to contact us to explore your legal options.

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smchugh

Michael Watson Dies on 8/11/24 in Freestone County Jail Texas

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Forty-nine-year-old Michael Tron Watson was booked into Freestone County Jail in Fairfield, Texas, on June 29, 2024. Mr. Watson was placed in a multiple occupancy cell. He died of unknown causes in the jail on August 11, 2024. A custodial death report (CDR) was filed by the Freestone County Sheriff’s Department on September 30, 2024, under the direction of Sheriff Jeremy Shipley. The CDR indicates that at the time of booking, Mr. Watson appeared to be intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. He also exhibited mental health issues and medical problems as he went through intake. Mr. Watson was housed in a multiple-occupancy cell when jail staff discovered that he was not breathing/unresponsive.

The address of Freestone County Jail is 03 S. Keechi Street in Fairfield, Texas 75840. The jail has a 44-bed capacity.

An Inmate Dies Unnecessarily in a Colorado County Jail

In a news story published September 30, 2024, a family seeks to hold a Colorado County jail responsible for the death of their loved one. The 22-year-old was suffering from a staph infection when he entered the jail. The jail medical staff was provided with details from the young man’s hospital visit, which showed that he had a staph infection. Trained medical staff should know that without antibiotics, he was likely to develop a deadly case of sepsis, says the family.

At the onset of symptoms of sepsis, if treatment is provided, the survival rate is close to 100%. Sadly, jails are often found to have delayed responses to inmates’ medical needs, even when detainees need lifesaving treatment. In cases of deaths involving sepsis, the denial of medical care is implied and should always be investigated.

The Medical Examiner in a California County Rules an Inmate Death a Homicide by Negligence

In September 2023, a detainee in a county outside Texas suffered from diabetic ketoacidosis and died in his cell due to insufficient insulin. It was noted in the Medical Examiner’s (ME’s) report that the man’s insulin pump alarm was going off for nearly 24 hours. The jail’s medical records on file for the deceased showed his insulin requirements and when his pump would be depleted.

An investigation found that one September day he was given 10 units of insulin. However, the next day his blood sugar was dangerously high. The detainee refused the dose, saying that it was too low. A nurse put in a request for a new insulin order, and the inmate was allegedly not seen by jail medical staff for the next 19 hours. The cause of his death, per the Medical Examiner, was homicide by medical neglect

Is Assistance Available for Cases of Jail Negligence?

A recent study found that nearly 70% of inmates in county and municipal jails with chronic health conditions are denied proper medical care—an alarming figure. If you’ve experienced life-altering injuries due to jail neglect or abuse or if you’ve lost a family member to neglect while they were incarcerated, we urge you to contact us as soon as possible. The Offices of Dean Malone has a team dedicated to custodial death cases and years of experience in handling cases of jail abuse and medical neglect.

Feel free to contact us for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7. Call or text us today or reach out through our online form.

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smchugh

Crosby County Jail is Cited for Non-Compliance

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Crosby County Jail in Crosbyton, Texas, has recently been added to the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) website due to noncompliance. A special jail inspection on September 5, 2024, found that Crosby County Jail was in violation of one minimum jail standard, namely Rule §273.5-Mental Disabilities/Suicide Prevention Plan, which is in the chapter that addresses Health Services. The rule’s purpose is to identify detainees who are known or observed to be potentially suicidal or mentally disabled.

TCJS inspectors made the following note with regard to Crosby County Jail’s noncompliance:

  • Inmate medical files were reviewed, and it was discovered that, on 2 of 5 occasions when warranted by the Continuity of Care Query (CCQ) return, staff failed to notify the magistrate by 70 hours to 27 days.

Crosby County Jail’s address is 201 W Aspen Street in Crosbyton, Texas 79322. The jail has a bed capacity of 11.

The Crosbyton TX Jail Fails to Provide Suicide Training to Jail Staff

Other recent jail inspections that Crosby County Jail failed occurred in 2020 and 2018, when the jail failed two inspections. Many times, after custodial deaths occur in non-compliant jails, TCJS inspectors find that a death is potentially associated with a rule violation. Lack of proper supervision of inmates is a frequent violation discovered after inmate deaths in Texas jails.

One of two areas of non-compliance discovered at Crosby County Jail in 2020 was the failure to provide jail staff with annual suicide training. Especially considering that suicide is the leading cause of death in jails, failing to provide jail staff with training on suicide prevention can directly contribute to preventable deaths.

A 21-Year-Old Dies by Suicide in January 2024

The death of a 21-year-old in the Universal City, Texas, jail on January 23, 2024, occurred 4 hours after he went through intake. To consider the death preventable is not a stretch. Suicide prevention training of jail staff includes information about recognizing and responding to detainees at risk for suicide. A blatant indicator is that any inmate is potentially a suicide risk on the first day of incarceration, considering that approximately 22% of jail suicides occur in the first 24 hours. Giving potentially suicidal inmates access to items easily used to fashion a ligature makes no sense. More than 90% of jail suicides result from hanging.

  • The summary of how the young man died in the Universal City jail in Bexar County says that an officer was conducting a cell check and observed that the detainee was on the floor with a cord wrapped around his neck and foam coming out of his mouth.

Seeking Help for Jail Neglect or Abuse?

Incarceration in a county or municipal jail does not mean your basic rights disappear. If detainees face mistreatment, like being denied medical care, it’s crucial that those responsible are held accountable.

Have you lost a loved one in a Texas jail and suspect that neglect was a factor in their death? Or were you previously incarcerated in a county or municipal jail and suffered severe injuries due to negligence? If so, we may be able to help. The Law Offices of Dean Malone are dedicated to addressing custodial death cases, using years of experience to provide focused legal representation. We are available 24/7. Contact us by phone, text, or through our online form to arrange a free case evaluation.

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smchugh

Paul Sarabia Dies on Day 5 at Bexar County Jail

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About two weeks after his 50th birthday, Paul Anthony Sarabia was booked into Bexar County Jail in San Antonio, Texas, on September 1, 2024. Tragically, he had a medical emergency four days later and then died the next day, having been moved to University Hospital. The custodial death report (CDR) about Mr. Sarabia was filed by the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office on September 17, 2024.

The CDR doesn’t shed much light on what Mr. Sarabia’s medical condition may have been. We do know that he was on a dialysis machine along with other medical devices that were removed minutes before his death due to a do not resuscitate (DNR) signed by a family member. Dr. Grayson Hobart-Means, MD, pronounced Mr. Sarabia deceased at 10:46 AM on September 6.

Can Jails be Held Accountable for Medical Neglect?

When jail medical neglect results in custodial death, jails can be held accountable. If families suspect that the denial of necessary medical care has resulted in the death of a loved one, it is important to act immediately. Garnering evidence of potential jail neglect and abuse takes time.

The cause of an inmate’s death sometimes brings possible jail neglect to light. Sepsis is a condition that occurs due to the absence of appropriate treatment for infection. In Webb County Jail, for example, a 34-year-old detainee passed away because of sepsis resulting from an infection caused by needle sites. A federal lawsuit was filed against the Laredo, Texas, jail by attorney Dean Malone, who is representing a family member. Mr. Malone has asserted the constitutional rights of inmates for years.

Medical Care for Serious Medical Needs is Required in Jails

In a constitutional rights case for medical neglect, it is important to establish that a detainee was denied care for a serious medical need. This could include:

  • Extreme pain, deterioration of an inmate’s condition, a threat of death, etc.;
  • Several mental health problems are defined as serious medical needs, including issues that involve tendencies toward suicide; and
  • Symptoms of withdrawal

Statistics show that the jails that rely on privately contracted healthcare services have higher death rates than jails that find other solutions to providing medical care for inmates. The three leading causes of death in county and municipal jails are all preventable if promptly treated, those being suicide, illness, and effects from alcohol and drugs.

Reach Out to the Law Offices of Dean Malone for Jail Neglect Assistance

If you or a loved one has suffered due to jail neglect, it’s important to get expert legal support. The Law Offices of Dean Malone has a dedicated team that focuses on helping families who have lost loved ones in Texas jails potentially because of neglect. We also encourage former inmates facing serious challenges resulting from neglect or abuse while incarcerated to contact us.

Get in touch with us today to schedule a free case evaluation. We are available 24/7 by phone, text, or through our online form.

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smchugh

Josiah Johnson Dies at Potter County Jail After 15 Hours

Silhouette of barbed wires and watchtower of prison.

Thirty-three-year-old Josiah Devon Johnson went through Potter County Jail intake on September 5, 2024. He died 15 hours later in the jail’s medical housing unit. Under the direction of Sheriff Brian L. Thomas, a custodial death report (CDR) was filed by the Potter County Sheriff’s Department on September 10, 2024. The CDR shows that Mr. Johnson was under the influence of drugs or alcohol during intake.

The Potter County Jail is at 13103 NE 29th in Amarillo, TX. The Amarillo jail can house 598 detainees.

How Common Are Withdrawal Deaths in U.S. Jails?

Detainees in county and local jails have a right to necessary medical care. That includes medical treatments necessary to save lives from withdrawal deaths. It is a disturbing statistic that alcohol and drugs are the third leading cause of death in our nation’s jails. A recent study that analyzed jail mortality data showed that 1,442 deaths within a 13-year period were associated with drugs and alcohol. Yet only 103 of those deaths were attributed to substance withdrawal. Part of the reason for this is the way deaths are coded.

But the more important question is why so many detainees in county and municipal jails die while experiencing withdrawal from substances? Here are some statistics that may help answer that question:

  • Among arrestees, about 16% have an opiate or alcohol dependence. Only 28% of U.S. jail administrators during the same period reported having ever detoxified detainees.

Drug and alcohol withdrawal appears to be inadequately treated in jails across the country. Tragically, this oversight often ends in custodial deaths.

Management of Opiate Detoxification in U.S. Jails

A national survey of 500 county and city jails was recently conducted. The survey asked for information about how opiate dependence among detainees is assessed and managed. Responses clearly showed that many jails do not use recommended procedures for opiate detoxification. Per the Bureau of Justice Assistance, deaths from withdrawal are preventable. Jails have a pressing duty to establish and implement withdrawal protocols and policies.

From 2000 to 2019, there was an increase of 33% in the number of local jail inmates who died from all causes. In the same period, those who died from drug/alcohol intoxication jumped 397%. The median length of incarceration in a local jail before death from drug or alcohol intoxication was 1 day. It is common for individuals to experience substance withdrawal during the booking process in jail. Lifesaving protocols to address substance withdrawal in U.S. jails are obviously needed.

Legal Assistance for Jail Medical Neglect from the Law Offices of Dean Malone

If you suspect that your loved one’s death in a Texas jail resulted from neglect or abuse, it is crucial to secure experienced legal help. The Law Offices of Dean Malone are dedicated to asserting the rights of inmates and their families. We have a team focused on jail death cases, including those involving custodial suicides. Our skilled team has extensive experience in these complex and sensitive matters. Additionally, if you are a former inmate who endured abuse, neglect, or insufficient medical care that led to serious injuries, we may be able to assist you. Contact us for a free case evaluation—we are available 24/7 via phone, text, or our online form.

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smchugh

Enrique Hernandez Dies After 3 Months in Midland County Jail

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Enrique Hernandez was booked into Midland County Jail on May 25, 2024. Mr. Hernandez died in the jail’s custody on August 29, 2024, at 22 years of age. A custodial death report (CDR) was filed by the Midland County Sheriff’s Department on September 3, 2024, under the direction of Sheriff David Criner. Mr. Hernandez’s autopsy results are awaited. However, the CDR provides helpful information. For instance, Mr. Hernandez made suicidal statements and exhibited mental health problems when he entered the jail.

In answer to the question of his medical cause of death, the CDR states that Mr. Hernandez was in a padded cell. He jumped back and struck his head on the floor. Officers found him and, although he was breathing, he was unresponsive. He was transported to Midland Memorial Hospital.

Details continue in the summary of how his death occurred, but no dates or times are included. It begins by stating that Mr. Hernandez was on suicide watch and had been placed in a violent cell. His actions were caught on camera and viewed at a later time. While in the violent cell, he attempted to do what appeared to be a backflip, and he landed on the side of his head.

Mr. Hernandez was being cleared out of the padded cell and was in the process of being moved back to his previous housing while remaining on suicide watches. However, it was discovered that he was unresponsive to stimuli at this time. At this point, he was transported to the Midland Memorial Hospital, where it was discovered that he had an inoperable brain hemorrhage. He was flown via helicopter to Lubbock Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased 2 days later.

The address of Midland County Jail is 400 S Main St, Midland, TX 79701. The jail has an 800-bed capacity.

Failed Jail Inspections at Midland County Jail Reveal Danger to Inmates

Since 2020, Midland County Jail in Midland, Texas, has been found non-compliant at least five times. On two of those jail inspection reports, inspectors with the Texas Commission on Jail Standards discovered areas of neglect that could potentially result in harm to detainees.

Earlier this year, on March 28, 2024, a non-compliance letter was sent to Midland County Jail after completion of a jail inspection on March 25 and 26. On April 3, 2023, another failed jail inspection showed a specific area of potential jail neglect, as well. See the respective details below:

  • Observation logs provided showed that jail staff was not conducting the required 30-minute checks of the detainees in holding cells.
  • Inspectors found that restraint chair documentation revealed that on 38 occasions, detainees were placed in restraint chair systems where there was no documentation of the required 15-minute face-to-face observations.

Is Help Available for Jail Medical Neglect and Suicide Cases?

According to a recent study, about 68% of detainees in county and city jails with chronic medical conditions do not receive adequate care while behind bars—a shocking statistic. If you’ve faced serious health problems due to medical neglect or other forms of neglect in a municipal or county jail, or if a loved one has passed away as a result of neglect or suicide while incarcerated in local jail facilities, we urge you to contact us. Our firm has significant experience in handling jail neglect cases, with a dedicated team focused on custodial death cases.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a free case review. We are available 24/7 by phone, text, or via our online form.

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smchugh

Cherokee County Jail Fails in the Distribution of Prescribed Meds

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3d interior Jail

After an inspection of Cherokee County Jail on August 19, 2024, a notice of non-compliance was sent to the jail on August 23 citing it for violating one minimum jail standard. As a result, the Cherokee County Jail is now listed as a non-compliant jail on the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) website.

Under the Health Services Plan, the Cherokee County Jail was found to be in violation of the rule requiring prescription medications to be distributed according to the written instructions of physicians. A TCJS inspector indicated the following:

  • Medical administration records (MARs) at Cherokee County Jail were reviewed in response to a complaint. It was discovered that between January through June 2024, the distribution of prescribed medications was not completed on multiple occasions.

The address of Cherokee County Jail is 272 Underwood St, Rusk, TX 75785. The Rusk jail has an inmate capacity of 188.

Inmates in Local Jails Die Because They Are Denied Prescription Meds

There is no shortage of stories from jails across America about detainees who died because they were allegedly denied necessary medication. The following are a few examples found in recent news stories:

  • A particular third-party healthcare company is the target of a story about high death tolls in jails where they provide medical care. Details about several deaths are provided. One tragic death occurred in which it was ruled that a woman died in a jail outside Texas because she was denied her anti-seizure medication.
  • A 41-year-old man in a North Carolina county jail pleaded for his prescription anti-depressant medication. Records show he made the request 16 times, but his requests were denied. After being booked into the jail on April 3, 2021, he was found hanging in his cell on May 22, 2021, and was pronounced deceased that day.
  • A 54-year-old man was arrested for a misdemeanor in Florida. When he entered the jail, he explained that his heart would fail if he did not take his anti-rejection medicine for his heart transplant. While at the jail, he was not provided with his medication. The condition of his heart worsened to the point that he died of acute rejection of the heart three days after his release from jail.
  • There are many stories about detainees who were suffering through drug withdrawals and were not provided with treatments that could have saved their lives.

Pursuing Justice for Jail Deaths Caused by Neglect

Being incarcerated should not mean a loss of civil rights. If you suspect that a loved one died in a Texas jail due to jail neglect or abuse, contact the Law Offices of Dean Malone as soon as possible. Our firm is dedicated to seeking justice for those affected by custodial deaths, with a devoted team focused on these cases. We can also help many former detainees who have suffered life-changing injuries as a result of jail neglect during their time in jail. Contact us anytime—by phone, text, or through our online form. We are available 24/7, and we are committed to asserting inmates’ fundamental rights.

 

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smchugh
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