Case against former jail sergeants accused of lying on records while inmate sat unchecked for weeks dismissed
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The case against two former jail sergeants accused of lying on jail records while an inmate was kept in horrendous conditions at the Harris County Jail has been dismissed.
A Harris County judge dismissed the case when prosecutors and defense attorneys agreed that the statute of limitations had expired for the charges, Figaroa's attorney said.
RELATED: Criminal investigation into inmate found in cell amid bugs, trash, feces
With the dismissal, no one will be held criminally responsible for the jail conditions.
Terry Goodwin was found in that cell on Oct. 10, 2013. He was found among piles of trash, swarms of bugs and his own feces.
The cell may not have have been opened for up to two months, sources told ABC13 Investigates. They said a sign attached to the outside of the cell door instructed guards not to open it. Food in Styrofoam containers was pushed in by guards through a slit in the door and the refuse was never collected, sources said.
Goodwin's mother said she was disheartened and disappointed with the news Monday.
Figaroa's attorney Tommy LaFon successfully argued that prosecutors failed to present a valid indictment within a two-year statute of limitation after the case was transferred from another court.
Report a typo to the ABC13 staff
Do you have a story tip, idea or question for Ted Oberg Investigates? Let us know, at abc13.com/tedstips
