Close

Haltom Abuse Lawsuit Expands

Domingo Ramirez Jr.
Star-Telegram Staff Writers

Two more women are accusing members of the Haltom City Police Department of sexually exploiting them while they were in jail, bringing the number to eight who say they were victimized.

The newest complaint names another former jailer, whom one of the women said witnessed abuse and did nothing to prevent it.

At least 11 former and current Police Department employees are now under investigation. Texas Rangers are interviewing the women.

The amended lawsuit comes a day after a former Haltom City patrol officer was arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy.

The lawsuit states that the female inmates were the targets of an organized ring of uniformed police officers and jailers. It also states the women inmates were videotaped in the jail showers and bathrooms, and the tapes were distributed to Police Department employees.

Jane Doe 8 was ordered to take off her bra as she stood with him in a hallway near her cell, while a second jailer walked in, but walked away.

Weaver was put on administrative leave and resigned in April 2001. He is on probation after pleading guilty this year to a criminal charge of official oppression of a female inmate.

Weaver has also been indicted on additional charges concerning two other female inmates.

The Haltom City department has been rocked by accusations of wrongdoing since the end of August and has asked the Texas Rangers to handle the investigation.

Haltom City Police Chief Billy Hammitt announced that he was resigning from the department for personal reasons effective December 31.

Related News Articles
What Our Clients are Saying
★★★★★
"My case was complicated. My opponents were very high profile individuals with the ability to hire the best attorneys to defend their egregious actions. Michael Pezzulli did not back down, and my verdict was very favorable. He is a strategist with amazing skills. Most of the time he had them beaten before they ever entered the courtroom!" J. Williamson
★★★★★
"Michael Pezzulli is as good as it gets. You'll be hard pressed to find a litigator with not just the know-how but the experience in the courtroom to back it up. Ethically, you can be assured he is one who upholds the Texas Lawyer's Creed. And as a mediator who has mediated for Mr. Pezzulli, I know that he comes prepared, prepares the mediator, and most importantly, prepares his client." Barry Wernick
★★★★★
"My husband and I have known Michael Pezzulli for over 40 years. When representing us we have found him to be very thorough, decisive and, to our benefit, quite intimidating to the opposing attorney when necessary. He has an uncanny way of communicating to members of the jury and I highly recommend him to anyone who needs legal representation." Jan Richey