Given what's been coming out in the John Paul Hernandez trial, I'm fairly shocked that the former Texas Youth Commission administrator didn't take a plea regarding the sex-abuse allegations against him. (See here, here, and here.) Perhaps he was overconfident that the local District Attorney and judge in Ward County where the offenses were committed would protect him, and indeed they did for many years (as is fairly common, sadly, though after TYC's 2009 Sunset bill, going forward, crimes by TYC staff can be prosecuted in Travis County if locals won't pursue them). Hernandez's case ultimately had to be moved to Hub City to get a trial date set.
Two Lubbockites who've attended parts of the trial both told me they were horrified at what they heard: One told me he was "disgusted," the other said he wanted to take a shower when he left. Though the delays have been unconscionable, I'm glad we're seeing the denouement of this sordid tale, a dark cloud which has hung over the agency for the past four years. Though this trial will finish the off legal aspects, the policy ramifications for the agency from this scandal are still reverberating, up to and including a recent recommendation by the Sunset Commission to abolish TYC and merge youth prisons with the Juvenile Probation Commission.
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57 comments:
It’s very sad that the state of Texas has not only allowed these travesty’s to go in with tyc, its worked diligently to turn a blind eye, and spent heavily to cover it up. And please Scott, this hasn’t been going on for years it’s been going on for 12 decades. What’s even more disturbing is that if it weren’t for the world becoming a smaller place due to the exponential growth in communications technology, ERCOT excluded, these atrocities committed by tyc staff would continue to go unnoticed. Even more disgusting is the example of Hernandez and Brookins as the typical tyc staff, who play the game, climb the ladder, and rape the benefits.
Sheldon tyc#47333 c/s
The testimony at this trial, in all probablity, is as disgusting as the Brookins one. It's truly sad that it has taken this long to finally bring him to trial. It's a shame that the ones that covered up have gotten off scott free, no pun intended, and that's as disgusting.
Much of the fault lies with those TYC staffers that were too timid to come forward, or simply ignored the abuses which they were well aware was going on. They are just as guilty as the two that were finally caught.
I agree w.11:04 a.m. that those tyc staffers who knew and said nothing are guilty....but, please someone tell me how it is that the GOV and the AG of the STATE of TEXAS can escape responsibility????? It's obvious that no one cared about it....although there's been an outcry for a long, long, time. An outcry which was ignored by those in AUSTIN!!! This should be the drum beat. I cannot believe he got reelected.
I also agree that many more than these two are guilty of crimes. When you place your opportunity for promotion and pay raise above youth safety, to prevent a conflict with the boss, you are a bottom feeder for sure. So it seems many TYCers fit into this category. Self preservation over protecting youth or making a supervisor unhappy with you.
Where are all the TYC trolls defending state sponsored pedophilia. Oh wait most of them work the night shift.
This is a very Sad case ,,In My estimation after the case i would go after the people who sat on this one for so long.I was Employed at TYC for 17 years and left 3 years ago for more money and more secure policies but while I was thre I did write up a Staff and the Staff was fired for a very serious reason but with that said they just sent me a letter certified from an Investigator who was looking into the charges (5) years LOL well I contacted the Guy or His voice mail and left my 4 numbers where I can be reached whallla no call back,,,Do they just go through the motions? Any and every case has to be cleared and we shouldnt tolorate any more cover ups...This was at Ron Jackson in Brownwood.
You know these kids are not making this stuff up as alleged by the defense. They are all now in their mid twenties and a long ways out of TYC, so to say they're making it up now to "get out of TYC" is a little out there because they're long gone. Their stories are starting to colloborate with that teacher, who testifed to catching Hernandez in dark rooms with these boys. I bet Hernandez gets the book thrown at his ass.
Hernandez and Brookins are both guilty and should have been prosecuted several years ago. Some psys, cws, pa, sd, and others knew about the sex abuses, but to cover their own worthless asses, acted like all was OK. What if it had been their kids? They knew and looked away. They should be in prison with Brookings and soon to be sex abuser Hernandez. TYC... what can you say? The top folks knew and covered for the abuses. All of you...go to hell! May your kids suffer the same consequences, that you allowed on fenced-in youth..
I have to hold back the tears when I think about the abuses the TYC people allowed to happen to our young people. They were hired and trained to watch over and help these youth with peoblems, yet they chose to allow the abuse of these jailed young citizenhs by their superiors. How could anyone of common sense and any integrity stand by and allow these abuses to go on and on in their presence. I understand that some of thes staff were educated about youth problems but they still watched young people be violated and condemened to sex abuse by their bosses. When will thse folks be brought to justice? Just losing their jobs is not enough. Where is justice for these educatwed folks that were supposed to protect my kids? They gave my kids welfare for their jobs.
It's apparent many people raised a flag, TYC investigated and confirmed the allegation. The local law enforcement and the local DA knew about the allegations from the start of the investigation. Imagine if you were the local police or sheriff's office and getting an allegation like this on the fax. It's all very bad, but the essential failing was with that local DA, the local law enforcement, and that Ranger. The DA was the ONLY ONE who could bring these two to trial. That "hero" Ranger could have arrested them both on the spot and then the DA couldn't have avoided indictments. Besides the two bad actors, dereliction on the part of these officials sworn to protect the public baffle me the most.
Certainlly Hernandez is going to prison as he should right along with Brookins.Justice would be they share a cell. And as far as the staff or anyone to be proven to have had knowledge, I feel should be punished as well.But I do not wish in any way shape are form this kinda abuse on any child.I'm appalled it has taken so long for closure for these kids/adults now.And if it was a youth there would not had been this kind of lingering delay with the courts. What is just mentally overwhelming in this.The nature because of them being incarcerated. No school counslor, neighbor, family friend, Noone to tell. I hope these victims can get closure soon, and justice happens for them.
I believe there is no status of limitations for child abuse. If this is true, then the administrators and support employees that were aware of the sex abuse to youth and failed to report it, should be prosecuted. The youth surely told supervisors, counsellors, education staff and psychology/helpers about the sexual abuses. Why not bring these silent abusers to justicem al0ong with their buddies Hernandez and Brookings? They were as guilty as the two priimary abusers by knowing and being quiet about the abuses. Isn't that the same as the actual sex abusers? Bing them to justice also. There is plenty room in prison for coconspirators of sexual abuse.
2/15/2011 07:30:00 PM The stories have all collaborated for decades not years. I have a story written by a man who is in his 80’s that talks about the culture of abuse and cover up. The Gatesville blog has stories that all collaborate abuse from boys who are now in the 50’s, 60’s, looking at retirement and don’t give a damn about what tyc can do to them now. There are plenty of ex tyc offenders in TDCJ who will tell you about tyc, and I bet all their stories collaborate. What would they have to lose they know how the system works better than the people working it. The point that I think keeps getting glossed over is this tyc culture of cover up, that is cover up at all cost, has deep bitter roots in tyc’s cult like culture. ITS HABITUAL. The tyc is the Big Bitch.
Beginning in the early days of child slave labor on the Gatesville State Juvenile Training School with phrases like, “by no means Parson can we let outsiders know what we’re doing to these kids”. This phrase has become a deeply ingrained mission statement over the decades of child abuse piled upon child abuse committed by this entity. And north of there, the un-sterol, and illegal abortions perform at Gainesville state school, where the blood of unborn infants cry out from “the dung heap out back”. Right on up to todays pedophilic relationships between staff and students. It’s a spirit of darkness, a curse against the agency and those who come into its grip.
Sheldon Schepps tyc#47333 c/s
Sheldon, its so shameful and pitiful that all this occured. What is even more shameful and pitiful is the present day repeats of these dreadful happenings. TYC people now and in the past fifteen years have known about this history and allowed it to continue, on at times in their very presence and with full knowledge of the evil done to the youth in their care. The cover story about care, training, rehab., family care and treatment became a laugh in the break rooms for staffers who worked with the throw-away kids of Texas. Whocares if they are abused? They are not our kiks. Right. How do these people/things treat their own kids? They plan for raises, bought promotions, how and who to kiss ass, but never how to help the youth of Texas. How many have retired, planned now to retire on the blood and tears of our kids? Thank you to all you TYC staffers that sold Texas for your own benefit. Thanks for protecting Hernandez and Brookins and your other friends as they screwed youth and the state. Enjoy your riff's, loss of benfits and treason to the state.
Who was the Superintendent at WTSS while these acts were taking place? Did any of the employees tell the Superintendent these acts were taking place? Did the Superintendent ever bring these charges up against these two? This is where all the blame should begin but it never has. This person has never been charged and was actually promoted to a higher position.
Brookins was the acting Supt. when most of it occurred. One person sent an e-mail to the Supt. stating he'd seen them (Brookins and Hernandez)taking kids into their offices after hours, and reportedly the Supt. confronted them and told them to stop doing that. The Supt. then went out on extended medical leave. Brookins was allegedly confronted again later by a team of CO administrators, which included all the top people, except Dwight Harris. One of the team retired, most of the others were fired, but one, as far as I know, is still employed.
What interests me is the teachers who have testified so far were not the ones who reported the events to officials. Was that issue discussed in cross examination?
Two questions:
(1) If found guilty, will they have to register as "sex offenders"?
(2) Does the "law of parties" apply to those that knew, but did nothing?
That superintendent at WTSS and his pals were allowed to resign, except for one PA that still works for TYC and knew about these allegations. That, in itself, is disgusting and incomprehensible.
Charges have never been pressed on these scoundrels. If there is no statute of limitations, what's the hold up? These people were in charge of these youth and were supposed to protect them. Instead, these kids are now dealing with feelings they may never resolve, while these staffers go about life with no consequences for their in-action.
The ass'st principal reported Hernandez to the supertendent and the local media. The media reported back to the sup't, who called the ass't in, threatened and forced him to resign. The sup't knew full well, along some local media about Hernandez, according to the ass't. Hopefully he too will soon testify. The female above Harrison also knew, she reassigned Brookins from San Saba for similar activities and then left him in charge at WTSS. All of these folks should be charged.
Texas is the USA's little Egypt. So sad.
I left the state with my son over a year ago and since we've been gone it's even more obvious. The rest of the country is not like Texas at all. Thank God. We made it out and good f*ckin' riddance.
AYO was right in the middle of it all and did nothing to help youth. He is still w/TYc being protected by some that also covered up the mess at San Saba and WTSS.Where is justice? Since Ber.... is a cousin to the governor, nothing will ever be done.
I rally enjoy the "mob" mentality about everyone being punished, especially teachers that stayed silent or did not shoot from the hip at innuendoes or hearsay. I'm sure these same people have volunteered their time at TYC's or orphanages and whatnot, and stopped at every homeless person they see and made sure they are provided for. Being holier than though is easy from a keyboard, but please look at yourselves in real life, and go out there and make a difference. You know not what people's situations were, and many did report, and were retaliated against. Is the man guilty? Apparently so by all the testimony, but don't judge the people that had nothing to do with those events unless you yourself are perfect (of course, that will be as seen in your own little egotistical mind).
Your defense of these people, 1:32 p.m., offends me. Were you there? Share what you know so we too can decide whether or not to judge them. The staff that reported these acts and the youth that were abused would beg to differ with you!!
Many employees HAD TO KNOW, but preferred to look away. Its not my business. Yes, it was your business. If you had acted properly, the abuse may have been prevented. You have to live with yourself but to those that let it be in the presence of child abuse....you need prosecution. There is no excuse what those that covered for these sex abusers or hampered the investigation and allowed it to go on and on.
There is talk that some of his co-conspirators may testify to try and offset youth and employee witnesses for the prosecution. They should also be placed on trial for their parts in the child abuses.
I don't know the truth, but I know that the young men testifying against the principal were all young men that victimized innocent people repeatedly. That did not mean that they deserved to be abused. But the teachers, both good men and men of integrity by my experience did not report any of their testimony to the Ranger in the original report. If this principal is guilty, he deserves what he gets, but it scares me to know he might go to prison unfairly. Retaliation can go two ways.
Let's hope justice prevails...
Just read a staff correctional officer, said she overheard youth talking about making up allegations of sexual abuse to go home.OMG is she for real? how do these people live with themselfs? She was probably one of the staff shredding documents. Are seeing grievancy was not filed.
Some of know her. She is fairly flakey. Probably toss her testimony...you can tell she wants publicity and actually knows little. The three psys are apparently on the abusers side also. He probably got them raises to help his cause. One or two of them are also flakey. Hope it sorts out and shows the real them.
If a guy named Abel testifies, it's really bad, that will prove the prosecution's point of how bad the witnesses are for the defense. So far they've had some looney JCO's that were involved in inappropriate behavior themselves, and this guy apparently has passed on some info that is self-serving, since he was unable to ever progress or be productive as a human being when he was at TYC.
Seems like the three stooges may appear for the defense. Dave, Don and Rob are in deep to Hernandez for his support of their careers. They could say anything to help this nerd. Hope the hurors see through the arogrance and lies.
I continue to be a slight bit amused by some of the commenters on this. Some have no idea what the structure of the state school is. The principal is only over academics and could not possibly be in on evaluations or raises for psychologists.
As for the two women that testified for the defense, "flaky" is a mild term to describe them. Neither of them were good employees.
The informal chain of command in TYC/WTSS, allows both of the sex perverts to back each others abusive moves on youth. They also support certain employees, indicated above, to help with their wicked ways with youth. You would be surprised who helped directly and indirectly with the sexual activities at this evil institution. Friends can have friends force or waive personal faults for their own desires.
Has anyone seen testimony from the psychologists? I have not.
The AP continues to report the story as if Brookins and Hernandez were involved in a conspiracy. The truth is that three days after Brookins quit, Harrison and the Ranger went on witch hunt asking kids if they'd been molested by the principal based on rumors. All the late night stuff was done solely by Brookins. It's possible that Hernandez is guilty, but he didn't work in cahoots with anyone if he is. So five kids get subpoeaned and turn on the waterworks. It doesn't mean they aren't maintaining a lie they told back then. Those of you who keep slandering others are probably the staff that let Brookins take the kids off the dorm without ever reporting it.
I just hope the truth comes out about all the others that knew about the child sex abuse, and looked the other way. Things like this just don't happen in this type setting, unless several employees go along with it. Its not child care, its self protection and promotion.
1:19 p.m., surely you are kidding. If those kids had made up lies they would have been found out by now. According to what the media has reported no two stories of the events were the same, except for the abuse. Maybe Hernandez was not in cahoots w/Brookins but he did pull kids out according to the teacher's testimony. Are you going to accuse them of being in cahoots with each other also? Teachers have no business pulling kids out after hours and neither do principals, be it juvenile detention or public school; unless they are school sponsored activities and those are supervised activities. Key word being SUPERVISION.
I don't know how many people at WTSS may or may not have known or suspected what was going on, but there were 5 people involved in the initial cover-up. The greater scandal occurred later, after the allegations were being investigated and D Harris attempted to notify Whitmire about what was going on. Whitmire essentially told him to shut up. Go back and watch the archives of the 2005 hearings. Then, of course, we have the DA who refused to take the case to a GJ. Then we have the hero Ranger, who failed to arrest these clowns - it is all a Texas-sized mess.
Central Office staff did their part to cover this up. Lydia Barnard was not the only one in central Office trying to cover all this up. She and her friends ran the agency.
LydiaB. and her left leg - Tommy Bayes, were the glue holding the sex scandal quiet. They both were aware and part of the transfers from San Saba to WTSS and further coverups. They made Brookings the acting boss...his own personal pen full of children to be selected and sexually molested. Who is worse?
Add to that the local media that were aware of the abuse and instead reported the assistant principal to Harrison, rather than look into the abuses, the assistant told the media about.
Those timid staff members at WTSS were no worse than staff members at other TYC facilities. At the other facilities everyone ran scared for years. Some of those facilities are still run by the old crowd and people there run scared to this day.
The person who engineered the cover-up claimed to be untouchable because of her relationship to the governor. Subsequent events seem to corroborate that claim. That leads me to believe that there were folks outside of TYC who wanted this thing covered up. Good ole Texas politics.
Joe, Harry and Moe will look even more like the fools they are if they try to cover for buddy -Hernandez. Experts...at being fools.
I'm not so sure that the 'three' are slick enough to dodge their own fate. Things could bit them in the butt, if they are not careful. This isn't over yet.
I find it hard to believe that a grown man would go into a closet or anywhere else and repeatedly perform oral sex on these kids. What's in it for the Principal?
Probably a return investment, don't you think? The jury will most likely go into delibrations today. We'll know soon how his peers will judge him. This whole mess is so disturbing and disgusting.
1142: Were you just hatched? What is in it for the teacher? Did I read that right? Do you know what sexual predators do? Do you know what sex abusers do to victims? I am so glag you are not a juror. Actually, the principal was probably doing this as part of his graduate studies about youth. How old are you?
More like brain damage when he/she fell off the turnip truck last night!!
Ex-Texas prison official acquitted of sex abuse
11:42...Apparently WAS a juror.
Grits what happened? I thought he was a dead bug? Did justice prevail?
The three psy's , Joe. Harry and Moe and the idiots jcos, who 'heard' strange voices,from unknown folks, screwed the public and all of us Texacans.
Update: Pedophile is acquitted-Ex-cop persuaded others to let him off.This verdict has set a precedent: Pedophiles working under cover of the TYC can continue raping children/young men in darkened closets, class rooms and off campus without fear of them blowing the whistle. They are free to keep offending as is Mr. Hernandez with an expunged record. What a jubilant day for pedophiles working in the Texas Juvenile prison system! How many more victims of pedophilic staff are imprisoned now? The ex-policeman who helped the pedophile get away with this should be ashamed, I hope there's a special place in hell for him, Hernandez and his attorney.
Why are you people so sure Hernandez did those things? I personally think those boys lied through their teeth. It wouldn't be unheard of. I'm not sure Brookins was guilty either.
You just want to make the system easier for you to abuse and sexually abuse young people. You are a TYC traitor, a abuser, sexually molestor...a turd on the system.
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