Law Office of Michael F. Pezzulli Home
Board Certified.
Trusted Experience.
Proven Results.
Haltom Abuse Lawsuit Expands
Domingo Ramirez Jr.
Star-Telegram Staff Writers
Two more women are accusing members of the Haltom City Police Department of sexually exploiting them while they were in jail, bringing the number to eight who say they were victimized.
The newest complaint names another former jailer, whom one of the women said witnessed abuse and did nothing to prevent it.
At least 11 former and current Police Department employees are now under investigation. Texas Rangers are interviewing the women.
The amended lawsuit comes a day after a former Haltom City patrol officer was arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy.
The lawsuit states that the female inmates were the targets of an organized ring of uniformed police officers and jailers. It also states the women inmates were videotaped in the jail showers and bathrooms, and the tapes were distributed to Police Department employees.
Jane Doe 8 was ordered to take off her bra as she stood with him in a hallway near her cell, while a second jailer walked in, but walked away.
Weaver was put on administrative leave and resigned in April 2001. He is on probation after pleading guilty this year to a criminal charge of official oppression of a female inmate.
Weaver has also been indicted on additional charges concerning two other female inmates.
The Haltom City department has been rocked by accusations of wrongdoing since the end of August and has asked the Texas Rangers to handle the investigation.
Haltom City Police Chief Billy Hammitt announced that he was resigning from the department for personal reasons effective December 31.
Related News Articles
