CROCKETT, Texas (KTRE) - Houston County Sheriff Zak Benge said his office was made aware in February 2025 of a possible relationship between a jailer and a female inmate being held in the Houston County Jail.
An internal investigation was opened, Benge said, and through interviews with other staff and inmates enough evidence was gathered to substantiate the allegations. The employee was terminated, he said. He did not identify the jailer.
In an effort to maintain transparency and produce an unbiased investigation the case was referred to the Texas Rangers for a complete criminal investigation and indictment, Benge said.
On Monday, February 23, 2026, the former jailer was arrested and booked into the Houston County Jail for the offense of Improper Sexual Activity with a Person in Custody, a second-degree felony.
“As I have said from day one, we will hold ourselves to a higher standard and hold ourselves accountable for our actions. Romantic relationships with incarcerated persons are ILLEGAL, and will not be tolerated,” Benge said.
https://www.ktre.com/2026/02/24/houston-county-jailer-arrested-alleged-relationship-with-inmate/