Inmate charged with raping teacher after class in prison
MIDWAY, Texas (KTRK) -- A teacher sued the Texas prison system after she says she was raped by an inmate last month. Now, he's been charged.
Nicole Truelove says she was assaulted Nov. 13 by a state prison inmate at the Ferguson Unit. She says he hid behind a door, and assaulted her after class.
"He threatened myself and my children. When it was over, I dropped to the floor," said Truelove.
A Windham School District employee, Truelove took her story public last week because she said no charges had been filed and she believes the work environment remains unsafe for her fellow educators.
"The correctional officers assigned to the educational unit left the educational unit while the trustee inmate released all the classes leaving not only myself, but four other teachers alone, in the educational unit, with all the inmates," said Truelove.
The TDCJ Office of Inspector General obtained and served an arrest warrant this weekend charging 25-year-old Xavier Johnson with aggravated sexual assault.
Johnson, who is serving a 13-year sentence for burglary of a habitation out of Victoria County, faces up to life in prison if convicted of the first-degree felony.
Last week TDCJ released a statement in reference to the correctional officers.
"An initial review determined that the staffing plan was followed and three officers were assigned to the education building on the day of the incident."
Truelove's attorneys say they will file a lawsuit and seek, not only damages, but improved safety procedures.
Truelove has this message for the man she says attacked her inside the prison walls.
"I will not stop until he can never get out."
The Special Prosecution Unit will be handling the case as it moves forward.
