A ‘distressing pattern’: Congressman asks feds to investigate Tarrant County Jail deaths
A North Texas congressman is asking the federal government to investigate the “distressing pattern of inmate deaths and jail incidents” at the Tarrant County Jail.
U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey, a Fort Worth Democrat, asked the U.S. Department of Justice for the investigation following reports of deaths at the jail. Since 2017, 63 inmates have died at the jail or soon after experiencing a health crisis there, Veasey wrote in the May 23 letter, citing a news report.
“From physical altercations to drug overdoses and even an unattended birth, the loss of any life within correctional facilities is intolerable and warrants immediate investigation and action,” the letter reads.
Veasey in a Monday interview said he has not heard from the Justice Department whether they will investigate, but he believes they will.
Sheriff Bill Waybourn was not available for an interview, a spokesperson said. The Justice Department declined to comment.
Sheriff’s Office data show that there were 63 inmate deaths between 2017 and April of this year, 11 of which were due to COVID and 32 from other natural causes. Four were attributed to fentanyl-related overdoses, three were accidental, six were suicides and one was a homicide. One death was caused by gunshot wounds from a shootout with U.S. marshals, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Regardless of what someone is incarcerated for, they are innocent until proven guilty, Veasey said in the interview.
“While they are in a holding facility, awaiting a trail or awaiting their court date, they’re to be kept there safe and sound,” Veasey said.
Among those who’ve died at the jail is Anthony Johnson Jr., whose death has been ruled a homicide. An autopsy report from the Tarrant County medical examiner found asphyxia from use of force and pepper spray as the cause of death. Johnson, a 31-year-old Marine veteran, died at the jail on April 21 after his arrest in Saginaw. He was having a schizophrenic episode when arrested, according to his family.
A partial video released by the Sheriff’s Office shows a jailer placing a knee on Johnson’s back for a minute and a half and multiple officers ignoring Johnson saying he could not breathe. Johnson was handcuffed and had been pepper sprayed following an altercation during a contraband check.
Two workers were fired and then reinstated for their roles in Johnson’s death.
Detention Officer Rafael Moreno violated department policy by placing his knee on Johnson’ back after he was already in handcuffs, Waybourn has said. Lt. Joel Garcia was fired and then reinstated for his role as the commanding officer. He made decisions that resulted in a delayed response by medical staff, Waybourn said.
Attorneys for both have said they were reinstated because the Sheriff’s Office didn’t follow protocols. They expect them to be fired again under a proper process.
Tarrant County Commissioner Alisa Simmons has previously said she will request a Justice Department investigation into Johnson’s death.
Veasey references Johnson’s death in his letter, as well as the death of an inmate who died from a drug overdose just days before, Roderick Johnson, and the death of Harold Kent Roberts, who died Feb. 14 after experiencing a “medical emergency.”
“Unfortunately, as noted here, these deaths appear to be part of a pattern of negligence and mismanagement from the leadership of Tarrant County Jail,” the letter reads.
Veasey also calls attention to Kai’Yere Campbell, a 21-year-old inmate who has the mental capacity of a young child, according to his mother. The man’s mother, Shantel Taylor, is asking prosecutors to drop charges pending against him so he can get mental health care.
Veasey has requested to meet with the Justice Department to understand additional measures that could be taken to ensure the protection of incarcerated individuals and staff, according to the letter.
“The loss of any life, particularly in the custody of the state, is a matter of grave concern that demands thorough scrutiny and immediate action,” the letter reads.
It’s imperative the Justice Department take action, Veasey said in the letter.
“At this point, only an immediate investigation into the disturbing sequence of deaths at the facility can reinstate accountability in Tarrant County Jail,” the letter reads.
In May 2023, Veasey and other Fort Worth-area Democrats called on the Justice Department to investigate Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare and other county officials over voting rights, following former Elections Administrator Heider Garcia’s resignation and the creation of an election integrity task force.
Veasey on Monday said he’s still waiting to hear back from the Justice Department on that request.
This story was originally published June 10, 2024 at 4:48 PM.
