Officials: Female inmate claims she was sexually assaulted by male inmate at Waller County Jail

HEMPSTEAD, Texas (KTRK) -- The Texas Rangers and the Waller County District Attorney's Office are investigating an allegation of sexual assault at the Waller County Jail, officials confirmed.

According to the Waller County Sheriff's Office, jail staff received information last Friday that a female inmate had been sexually assaulted by a male inmate with trusty privileges inside the jail.

"The investigation includes all criminal aspects as well as administrative responsibilities of the jail staff," the sheriff's office said in a statement.

"Whether you're a trusty or not, you're in jail," Cedric Watson told Eyewitness News. "You're in there for a reason and every step you take needs to be monitored."

Watson ran against incumbent Sheriff Glenn Smith last November and lost. The longtime law officer plans to challenge Smith again.

"You're in a place where you should be protected. You, as sheriff, should be aware of what's going on from sun-up to sun-down," added Watson, a lieutenant with the Waller County Precinct 3 Constable's Office.

Smith did not respond to our requests for comment.

The district attorney's office released the following statement about the allegation:

"The Waller County District Attorney's Office has been made aware of the recent allegation of Sexual Assault at the Waller County Jail. The Texas Rangers have been asked to investigate the allegation. We have no further information that we are able to share at this time."

RELATED: Family of Sandra Bland settles civil suit for $1.9 million

The latest allegation comes after a string of issues with the jail, including a settlement in 2016 with the family of Sandra Bland.

As a condition of the $1.9 million wrongful death lawsuit settlement, the jail must provide emergency nurses for all shifts; use automated electronic sensors to ensure accurate and timely cell checks; and actively seek the passage of additional state funds for jail in-taking, inmate screening, training and additional jail support.

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