According to TDCJ officials, Kenneth McDaniel Jr. and Kamron Kirk were employed as correctional officers but were fired after an administrative investigation concluded. Officials announced their arrests on Thursday afternoon, and both were charged with civil rights violations and improper sexual activity with a person in custody.
ORIGINAL REPORT: 2 Galveston correctional officers relieved of duty amid inmate assault allegations, TDJC says
The Office of the Inspector General said the investigation into McDaniel and Kirk began after a female inmate told TDCJ staff that she was sexually assaulted by two correctional officers during her time at the Galveston Unit.
"We will not tolerate people in positions of power using their authority to abuse those in their care. The agency maintains a zero-tolerance policy for officer misconduct, and we hold those responsible fully accountable under the law," TDCJ Executive Director Bobby Lumpkin said in a statement.
TDCJ officials said that it is the agency's policy that male officers are not alone with an individual female inmate, and that staff cannot perform cross-gendered unclothed searches.
Correctional officials did not provide details on a second female inmate who they said was also involved in the alleged sexual misconduct.
Eyewitness News previously reported that officials said a female inmate first reported in March that she had been sexually assaulted by two correctional officers. Shortly after, officials said a second inmate came forward alleging she was assaulted in January.