Harris County Jail

Harris County

Ex-Harris County sheriff’s deputy sexually assaulted at jail sues county, top officials for $1 million-plus

Posted on · The civil lawsuit claims the county and its leadership failed to adequately fund and staff the Downtown Houston jail, resulting in “blatantly dangerous” working conditions that precipitated the December 2021 assault.

Elections

Harris County sues Texas to overturn law abolishing its elections administrator’s post

Posted on · The county is asking a court to stay Senate Bill 1750 before it can go into effect September 1. If the law is allowed to stand, Harris County will be forced to hand over control of elections to the county clerk with less than two months to go before early voting begins in the fall elections.

Harris County

Harris County backs off removal of eight charities for juror pay donation

Posted on · A proposal by Harris County District Clerk Marilyn Burgess questioned the legality of including some organizations on a list of beneficiaries for jury pay donations. A subsequent review found there was no issue.

Criminal Justice

Mother of teen killed in Harris County Jail sues county, sheriff’s department in federal court

Posted on · Michael Ownby faces a murder charge in the 2021 death of fellow inmate Fred Harris, a 19-year-old Houston man who suffered from mental illness, according to the attorney representing his family.