|
Updated: 5:53 PM Mar 6, 2007
Sexual Abuse Scandal Rocks State Juvenile Prison System
The sexual abuse scandal rocking the state’s juvenile prison system involves alleged incidents at a West Texas institution that investigators say were covered up for several years.
Posted: 6:00 PM Mar 6, 2007 |
|
(March 6, 2007)--Investigators say that for at least two years, some boys at a juvenile prison in West Texas were summoned from their dorms late at night.
They were taken to darkened conference rooms, offices and ball fields, allegedly for sex with two of the institution's top administrators.
The boys told their parents, their teachers, any staff member who would listen.
A few diligent staffers took their complaints to their supervisors.
But the allegations were largely covered up until last month, when they exploded into scandal.
The number one and two officials at the Texas Youth Commission have lost their jobs over their handling of the allegations.
Prosecutors are looking into criminal charges.
Legislators are infuriated.
Investigators were sent Tuesday to 22 Texas Youth Commission institutions including facilities in Mart, Marlin and San Saba, and the agency headquarters to investigate claims of abuse of inmates.
The Dallas Morning News cited a 2005 Texas Rangers report that said 13 boys were molested at the West Texas State School in Pyote.
Since then, others have come forward with allegations of abuse at other juvenile prisons across Texas.
The two men accused of molesting boys, Ray Brookins, an assistant superintendent who temporarily ran the place, and Principal John Paul Hernandez, resigned in 2005 with no criminal charges.
Attempts to reach Hernandez and Brookins for comment were unsuccessful.
Hernandez previously denied wrongdoing.
 |
Double
Dollar Deals Half Price Deals at Central Texas restaurants and businesses. A new deal every Thursday at 7:00am. |
 |
Law
Line This free service can help you find answers to your legal questions about personal injury, criminal law, bankruptcy, family law and more. |
 |
Army Way Learn all about the symbols, traditions, and customs of the US Army. |
Catering Ambassador - If you are an expert at customer service, love sales & McAlister’s Deli’s sweet tea then come work for us! We are looking for an energetic, friendly, self-starter who has experience with both sales and customer service for their Catering Ambassador position. Join the McAlister’s team!
Also, take a look at the most recent jobs posted to Job Board TV at KWTX.com: View More Jobs.
