The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office has stepped in to assist neighboring Trinity County after flooding forced officials to reduce the inmate population at the Trinity County Jail.
Chuck Havard announced that his office agreed to temporarily house inmates after the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office reported significant plumbing issues at its jail facility.
According to Woody Wallace, a sewer backup caused flooding inside the Trinity County Jail, creating serious health, safety, and compliance concerns. The facility, which is approved to house only seven inmates, was reportedly holding 13 at the time of the incident.
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“With the jail over capacity and no available relocation options in surrounding counties, we immediately reached out to our partners,” Wallace said in a public statement issued Monday.
Jasper County responded by accepting six inmates, easing overcrowding and allowing Trinity County officials to address the facility’s safety issues.
“We are proud to assist Sheriff Woody Wallace during this challenging time,” Havard said. “We value our partnerships with East Texas law enforcement agencies, and we know that if we needed assistance, he would step up to help us as well.”
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The Trinity County Sheriff’s Office said it remains committed to operating professionally and lawfully while keeping the public informed as the situation continues. Sheriff Wallace has also requested that county leadership explore additional inmate housing options to ensure continued compliance with state standards.