Texas – Two correctional officers with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice have been relieved of duty while Texas authorities investigate multiple allegations that female inmates were se-ually assaulted at a state prison medical facility in GaIveston, according to officials. Both criminal and administrative inquiries are underway, highlighting serious concerns about staff conduct, agency policies and inmate safety.
The first allegation was reported in March 2026, when a female inmate at Hospital GaIveston — a secure medical facility that cares for people incarcerated under the TDCJ — claimed two correctional officers indecently assaulted her while she was receiving treatment. Staff were notified of the complaint the same day, and the agency immediately opened an investigation with the Office of the Inspector General. The officers were “relieved of duty” pending the outcome of both criminal and internal investigations, TDCJ officials confirmed.
Shortly after the first complaint came to light, another female inmate reported a separate assault that she said occurred in January of this year. According to the department, one of the officers named by the second inmate and descriptions of others involved overlapped with those in the initial allegation, suggesting possible involvement by the same personnel in both incidents. A third officer who was linked to the earlier case has already been off duty for an unrelated reason, officials said.
The names of the officers involved have not been released, and no charges have been announced publicly. State policy prohibits male officers from being alone with individual female inmates and forbids cross‑gender unclothed searches, a spokesperson for TDCJ said, underscoring these rules were in place to protect both staff and incarcerated people. The agency declined to comment on the identities of those under investigation or specific details of the alleged assaults.
In public comments, the agency reiterated its commitment to safety and security within its facilities. TDCJ said it plans to assess existing protocols and training related to cross‑gender supervision and inmate interactions as more information becomes available. Officials noted that policies such as continuous supervision, limits on private contacts and clear procedures for reporting misconduct are part of efforts to prevent abuse and protect those in custody.
At this stage, the investigation remains active, and TDCJ has urged anyone with relevant information to come forward. Because the incidents involve allegations of serious misconduct within a correctional facility, both criminal prosecutors and administrative decision‑makers will need to carefully evaluate evidence before any charges or disciplinary actions are finalized.
